Congress leader Rahul Gandhi commenced his campaign for the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections on Wednesday, delivering a sharp critique of Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a rally in Muzaffarpur. He accused Modi of prioritising votes over genuine concern for the people, stating, "If you tell Narendra Modi to dance, he will dance on stage."

Gandhi highlighted the contrast between the Prime Minister's recent observance of Chhath Puja and the reality faced by devotees, who pray in a polluted Yamuna in Delhi. He remarked, "Narendra Modi went to bathe in his swimming pool. He has nothing to do with the Yamuna. He has nothing to do with Chhath Puja. He just wants your vote."

The Congress leader also targeted Modi's economic policies, claiming that demonetisation and the Goods and Services Tax (GST) have devastated small businesses. He pointed out that many products are now "Made in China" and advocated for local manufacturing in Bihar, saying, "We say that it should not be Made in China, it should be Made in Bihar. Mobiles, shirts, pants, all these should be made in Bihar, and the youth of Bihar should get employment in those factories. We want such a Bihar."

Gandhi further accused Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar of being a mere figurehead, asserting that the real power lies with the BJP. He stated, "Nitish ji's face is being used. The remote control is in the hands of the BJP. You should not think that the voice of the most backward people is heard there."

He also expressed concerns about social justice, claiming that the BJP is against it and has ignored calls for a caste census. "I said in front of the Prime Minister in the Lok Sabha that you should get the caste census done. He did not say a single word... BJP is against social justice. They do not want it," he added.

As the political landscape heats up, the main contest in the upcoming elections will be between the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), which includes the BJP and its allies, and the Mahagathbandhan, led by the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and supported by Congress and other parties. The elections are scheduled to take place in two phases on November 6 and 11, with results expected on November 14.