On November 7, 2025, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi delivered a combative speech at a large rally in Bhagalpur, Bihar, sharply criticising Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Home Minister Amit Shah, and specifically targeting Jay Shah, Amit Shah’s son, for his role in cricket administration.
Rahul questioned Jay Shah’s credentials by mockingly asking how he could manage cricket without knowing how to hold a bat, highlighting concerns about nepotism within the ruling BJP.
The rally came ahead of the second phase of Bihar Assembly elections scheduled for November 11, following a record voter turnout in the first phase.
BJP dismissed the speech as political theatrics, while Election Commission officials confirmed compliant and peaceful campaigning.
Rahul Gandhi’s Sharp Critique Amid High Election Stakes
Rahul Gandhi’s rally at the Sandis Compound in Bhagalpur drew enthusiastic crowds, including Congress leaders and allies of the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance).
He launched a fierce attack on the BJP leadership, accusing them of running the state and country via nepotism and entitlement rather than merit. His pointed reference to Jay Shah, who holds a key position in Indian cricket administration despite lacking cricketing experience, was used as a metaphor for governance issues.
Rahul said, “Can someone tell me what makes Jay Shah capable of running the sport when he doesn’t even know how to hold a bat?” The statement drew both cheers from supporters and condemnation from BJP ranks. Rahul intertwined this critique with his call for attention to unemployment, inflation, and rural distress – issues he said the BJP was trying to mask with divisive politics.
BJP spokesperson Nikhil Anand responded, defending Jay Shah’s appointment as legitimate and accusing Rahul of resorting to personal attacks due to political desperation. Election officials monitored the rally closely, confirming no violations of conduct occurred despite the heated rhetoric.
Background: The Bihar Assembly Elections and Political Climate
The Bihar Assembly elections have entered a critical phase. The first round of polling on November 6 saw an unprecedented voter turnout of 64.66%, the highest since 1951, across 121 constituencies in 18 districts. This massive voter engagement has intensified the political climate.
Rahul Gandhi’s rally in Bhagalpur was seen as a pivotal moment for the Congress party and the wider opposition coalition, the Mahagathbandhan, as they seek to regain ground against the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Key issues including farmers’ welfare, unemployment, inflation, and flood management have dominated election narratives.
Prime Minister Modi and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar have also ramped up their campaigns, pledging development, flood control, and political stability, focusing rallies in Aurangabad, Bhabhua, and beyond ahead of the November 11 voting.
BJP leaders have accused the opposition of using abusive language and misinformation, while the Congress has continued to push claims of voter manipulation and “vote chori.” The stakes are high as election results, slated for November 14, will influence not only Bihar’s governance but also the national political equation.
Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Voter Adhikar Yatra’ and Campaign Strategy
Rahul Gandhi launched the ‘Voter Adhikar Yatra’ in August 2025, a 16-day campaign covering over 1300 km through multiple Bihar districts aimed at protecting voting rights and exposing alleged electoral fraud. The campaign has been both a political and moral crusade, focusing on ensuring “one person, one vote,” and rallying marginalized communities.
This long march reinvigorated the Congress cadre in Bihar, providing fresh momentum to a party historically secondary in the state. The Bhagalpur rally was a culmination of this strategy, displaying opposition unity with prominent RJD leaders and other allies joining the campaign efforts.
Rahul’s presence projected him as the opposition’s leading face, energizing grassroots activists with promises of confronting issues affecting ordinary citizens such as inflation, unemployment, agricultural distress, and governance transparency.
The rally also served as a platform to publicly challenge the ruling establishment’s credibility and highlight concerns about nepotism and misplaced priorities among BJP’s leadership.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Bihar’s vibrant electoral engagement is a testament to India’s democratic strength, but the tone of political discourse demands careful reflection. Rahul Gandhi’s criticisms of nepotism and governance merit scrutiny, especially when linked to public trust and accountability.
However, The Logical Indian believes that political debates must prioritise respect, substantive issue-based discussions, and constructive dialogue that can foster harmony and social progress.
Personal attacks, while momentarily grabbing attention, risk deepening divides and steering focus away from the pressing challenges citizens face daily.
Democracy flourishes best when leaders inspire through ideas grounded in empathy, kindness, and a vision for equitable development.
