The BRICS TimesSambit Patra launched a sharp attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, saying that Bihar needs a hardworking leader, not a ‘shehzada’. He added that Congress has insulted Bihar, and the people of the state will give a fitting reply in the upcoming elections.
BJP MP Sambit Patra has strongly criticized Rahul Gandhi’s voter rights march in Bihar, branding it not as a campaign for the people but as a “protect infiltrators yatra,” echoing similar remarks made earlier by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Patra alleged that the Congress party and the Gandhi family are deeply frustrated over the SIR issue in Bihar and this frustration is repeatedly visible in their actions and words.
According to the BJP leader, the Congress party has consistently shown disrespect towards Bihar. He recalled that abusive remarks were made against Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s late mother, which sparked anger among women in Bihar, who protested against the derogatory language. Despite the outrage, Patra claimed, the Congress party did not learn any lesson. He also pointed out that the party’s official social media handle once compared the people of Bihar with a bidi, a crude remark that, according to him, amounted to branding Biharis as sinners.
“Breaking the Ashoka Pillar is an insult to the nation”
On the incident of the Ashoka Pillar being damaged in Hazratbal, Srinagar, Patra stated that it was not merely an insult to the country but also an affront to Emperor Ashoka and the pride of Bihar. He condemned the statements made by some leaders who questioned the need for the Ashoka Pillar at that site, calling such remarks deeply objectionable.
“Will Rahul Gandhi fall sick if he shakes hands?”
Patra also lashed out at Congress leader Supriya Shrinate for her comments about Rahul Gandhi’s interactions with the public. According to him, Shrinate tried to glorify Rahul Gandhi by belittling Biharis, which he described as highly insulting. Shrinate had said that even if people came with dirty clothes and unclean hands, Rahul Gandhi would still shake hands with them, embrace them, and not even wash his hands afterwards. Responding sharply, Patra asked, “Are Biharis diseased that Rahul Gandhi would fall sick just by shaking hands with them?”
“Bihar needs a worker, not a prince”
Continuing his criticism, Sambit Patra said that Rahul Gandhi carries the entitled mindset of a prince and heir, but Bihar values hard work and dignity. He remarked, “Biharis earn their livelihood through sweat and toil with pride. Bihar does not need a shehzada; it needs someone who actually works. The people of Bihar have hearts of gold, and they will teach Rahul Gandhi a lesson by defeating him in the elections.”
Targeting Irfan Ansari
Patra also responded to the controversial statement made by Jharkhand Congress leader and Health Minister Irfan Ansari, who had claimed that the BJP’s grave would be dug in Jharkhand. Patra retorted that Ansari was talking about burying the same BJP that speaks for the nation and is committed to protecting India from infiltrators. He further condemned the remark by a Trinamool Congress leader in Bengal who suggested throwing acid on BJP leaders. Patra demanded that the Kolkata High Court take cognizance of such inflammatory statements and ensure that such leaders are sent behind bars.
Akshay Didwaniya
