A political controversy surrounding Rahul Gandhi’s earlier comments about Chhath Puja has returned to the spotlight after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) renewed its criticism on November 14. The party circulated a video of the Congress leader’s 2025 remarks and demanded that he issue a public apology.
The dispute relates to comments made during Rahul Gandhi’s Bihar Assembly election campaign in October 2025. The BJP has accused him of hurting religious sentiments, while a fact-check of the speech has raised questions about the party’s interpretation of his words.
BJP Says Rahul Gandhi Disrespected Chhath Puja
BJP leaders criticised Rahul Gandhi over his use of the word “drama” while discussing arrangements connected with Chhath-related events.
The party argued that his remarks were disrespectful towards a festival that holds considerable religious and cultural importance, particularly in Bihar and neighbouring regions.
The BJP has questioned why the Congress leader has not publicly apologised despite the criticism surrounding his comments.
What Rahul Gandhi Said During the 2025 Bihar Campaign
The controversy dates back to October 2025, when Rahul Gandhi was campaigning in Bihar. While criticising Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he questioned the arrangements reportedly made for the Prime Minister’s proposed visit to the Yamuna.
Gandhi alleged that special arrangements involving clean water and cameras were being made for publicity. His comments included criticism of what he described as a political performance surrounding Chhath Puja.
The BJP subsequently presented the remarks as an insult to the festival and its devotees.
Fact-Check Highlights a Difference in Interpretation
A fact-check published by The Wire, based on reporting by Alt News, examined the speech and found that Rahul Gandhi had not described Chhath Puja itself as a drama.
According to the fact-check, the word was used in the context of his criticism of what he considered the Prime Minister’s political performance around the festival.
This distinction is important because it separates criticism of political publicity from criticism of the religious festival itself. The BJP and Rahul Gandhi’s defenders have presented different interpretations of the remarks.
Political Dispute Adds to BJP-Congress Tensions
The renewed criticism has added another issue to the ongoing political confrontation between the BJP and Congress.
The BJP has used the remarks to question Rahul Gandhi’s approach towards religious and cultural matters. The wider disagreement also highlights how statements made during election campaigns can return to public discussion long after the campaign has ended.
Why Chhath Puja Holds Cultural Significance
Chhath Puja is among the most important festivals in Bihar, Jharkhand and eastern Uttar Pradesh. Devotees worship the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya through rituals performed near rivers, ponds and other water bodies.
The festival has deep cultural and religious significance for communities across several parts of India. This importance has made the interpretation of Rahul Gandhi’s remarks a sensitive political issue.
The latest exchange demonstrates how religious traditions and political messaging can become closely connected in India’s electoral debates.