PM Modi Slams Congress–RJD for ‘Mocking’ Chhath While Embracing Foreign Festivals, Questions Silence on Ayodhya Temple Visits
By Tajdar H Zaidi
PATNA: In a sharp attack on the Congress and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday accused the opposition alliance of showing disrespect toward traditional Indian festivals—especially Chhath—while readily embracing Western celebrations such as Halloween.
Addressing a public rally in Saharsa, Bihar, ahead of the state assembly elections, the Prime Minister said the INDIA bloc was disconnected from Indian cultural values and faith.
Without directly naming RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, but pointing to his recent family celebrations, PM Modi criticized leaders who said they derided Indian traditions yet proudly promoted international festivities.
He highlighted how visuals of Lalu Prasad Yadav celebrating Halloween with his grandchildren recently went viral on social media.
The photos and videos, shared by his daughter and RJD leader Rohini Acharya, showed the family dressed in costumes and participating in Halloween activities. The post was captioned, “Happy Halloween to everyone.”
Linking this to a pattern of what he described as disregard for Indian culture, PM Modi said opposition leaders avoid even symbolic participation in major Hindu pilgrimages, including a visit to the Ayodhya Ram Temple, despite traveling extensively abroad.
“These RJD and Congress people travel all over the world,” PM Modi said. “We read about it on social media and feel ashamed, but they don’t find time to visit the Ram Temple.
There’s a temple built there for Nishad Raj. There’s also a temple for Lord Valmiki in Ayodhya.
There’s also a temple for Shabari Mata in Ayodhya. If you have a problem with Ram, at least bow your head at the feet of Nishad Raj. Why are you ashamed of that? They won’t go. They’ll travel all over the world.”
Taking a stronger swipe at the opposition, he added: “The royal family of Congress, the royal family of RJD, celebrate festivals of the world and enjoy celebrating foreign festivals.
But what do these people say when it comes to the Chhath festival? They say that these people are all just staging a drama.”
The Prime Minister emphasized that Chhath is one of the most sacred festivals for millions, especially in Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh, symbolizing devotion, discipline, and cultural pride.
He suggested the opposition’s comments revealed insensitivity toward the sentiments of the local population.
His remarks also revived a past controversy involving Lalu Prasad Yadav, who earlier this year sparked anger after calling the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj “faltu” (meaningless).
At the time, when asked about crowd management for devotees traveling to the religious gathering, Lalu had said, “The Kumbh has no meaning… It is just meaningless,” also remarking, “Kumbh ka kahan koi matlab hai. Faltu hai Kumbh.”
That comment came after a tragic stampede at New Delhi railway station, which left 18 passengers dead as crowds attempted to board trains heading toward the Kumbh.
Reiterating his stance that the opposition disregards Indian religious values while indulging in imported celebrations, PM Modi sought to position himself and the NDA as the defenders of India’s cultural heritage and faith traditions.
With Bihar heading toward a crucial election, Modi’s remarks are seen not only as a cultural critique but also as an attempt to consolidate support among Chhath-observing communities and other voters with deep religious sentiment.
#PMModi #BiharElections #ChhathPuja #LaluPrasadYadav #Congress #RJD #INDIAbloc #AyodhyaRamTemple #IndianCulture #HalloweenRow #Poll2025 #SaharsaRally #ModiInBihar #KumbhControversy #PoliticalDebateIndia
