NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday mocked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s recent fishing attempt while addressing a public rally in Sitamarhi, taking a swipe at the opposition and claiming that Bihar’s fishery sector has grown under the NDA government.“The fishery sector saw huge growth in Bihar, but now some people are practising diving in ponds in the state,” PM Modi said, drawing laughter from the crowd in an apparent dig at Gandhi’s viral fishing video. The remark set the tone for a combative speech where the Prime Minister attacked both the Congress and the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD).PM Modi’s remarks came a days after Rahul Gandhi made headlines for an impromptu visit to a pond in Begusarai, where he joined local fishermen in catching fish following an election rally. After addressing the public meeting, Rahul travelled about 3 km to Bharra village in the Begusarai constituency, accompanied by Congress leader Kanhaiya Kumar and Vikassheel Insaan Party chief Mukesh Sahani. At the pond, Rahul boarded a small boat to meet fishermen casting nets. When Kanhaiya jumped into the water, Rahul followed, drawing cheers from the gathered villagers. Even his SPG security personnel waded into the pond to ensure his safety as he laughed and chatted with fishermen while helping pull in their nets. Describing himself as a “brand ambassador of Bihar’s art,” PM Modi said he had recently presented a Madhubani painting to Argentina’s Vice President as a symbol of the state’s rich cultural legacy. He urged voters to reject those who disrespect Bihar’s identity. “Those who insult our culture and tradition must be punished electorally,” he said.Taking a direct swipe at the RJD, PM Modi said the party’s campaign reflects its regressive outlook toward the youth. “What does RJD want to do for the children of Bihar is clearly visible in their election campaign. Listen to the songs and slogans of the Jungle Raj people. You will be shocked. On RJD’s stages, innocent children are being made to say that they want to become extortionists. Should a child of Bihar become an extortionist or a doctor?… Will we let them win who want our children to be extortionists?” he asked.He said the people of Bihar had already given their verdict in the earlier phase of the polls. “In the first phase of the elections, the people of Bihar… The people of Jungle Raj got a ‘65 volt jhatka’,” PM Modi said, implying that voters had rejected the opposition’s message.Contrasting the NDA’s development agenda with what he called RJD’s legacy of crime and corruption, PM Modi said, “In Bihar, it’s fashionable to come here with a pistol and say, ‘Hands up’… Now, there’s no place in Bihar for those who say ‘Hands up’… Bihar needs ‘startup’, not ‘Hands up’.”He added that his government was focused on empowering young people through education and technology. “We’re giving children books, computers, and laptops. Our children want to excel in sports… But the RJD is talking about giving pistols and double-barreled guns. These people want to make their own children ministers, MPs, MLAs, and Chief Ministers,” he said.The Sitamarhi rally was part of PM Modi’s extensive campaign tour across Bihar ahead of the final phases of polling, where he has positioned the election as a choice between “development and Jungle Raj.”
