Prime Minister Narendra Modi mocked Rahul Gandhi’s fishing attempt and attacked the RJD’s “Jungle Raj” legacy at a Bihar rally. He highlighted the NDA’s development agenda, contrasting it with the RJD’s alleged promotion of crime and corruption among youth, urging voters to choose progress over the past. NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday took a veiled jibe at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his recent fishing attempt in Begusarai, saying while Bihar’s fishery sector has grown under the NDA government, “some people are now practising diving in ponds in the state.” “The fishery sector saw huge growth in Bihar, but now some people are practising diving in ponds in the state,” PM Modi said at a public rally in Sitamarhi, drawing laughter from the crowd in an apparent reference to Rahul Gandhi’s viral video. The comment set the tone for a combative speech in which the Prime Minister targeted both the Congress and the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). “Bade bade log bhi yahan ki macchli dekhne aa rahe hain. Paani mein dubki laga rahe hain… Bihar ke election mein doobne ki practice kar rahe hain,” PM Modi quipped, extending his mockery of Rahul Gandhi’s Begusarai outing. PM Modi’s remarks came a day after Rahul Gandhi made headlines for his impromptu visit to a pond in Bharra village of Begusarai, where he joined local fishermen in catching fish following an election rally. Rahul Gandhi was accompanied by Congress leader Kanhaiya Kumar and Vikassheel Insaan Party chief Mukesh Sahani. After addressing the public meeting, Rahuk Gandhi travelled about 3 km to the pond, boarded a small boat to meet fishermen, and later jumped into the water alongside Kanhaiya, drawing cheers from villagers. Even his SPG personnel waded in to ensure his safety as he helped pull in fishing nets and interacted with locals. During the Sitamarhi rally, PM Modi also described himself as a “brand ambassador of Bihar’s art,” saying he had recently gifted a Madhubani painting to Argentina’s Vice President as a tribute to the state’s cultural legacy. “Those who insult our culture and tradition must be punished electorally,” he said. Targeting the RJD, PM Modi said its campaign exposed its attitude toward Bihar’s 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 said. PM Modi further said that voters had already given a clear message in the earlier phase of polling. “In the first phase of the elections, the people of Bihar… The people of Jungle Raj got a ‘65 volt jhatka’,” he remarked, suggesting that the opposition had been rejected. Contrasting the NDA’s focus on growth with what he termed RJD’s legacy of crime, 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’.” Highlighting youth empowerment, he added, “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.” The Sitamarhi rally was part of PM Modi’s wider campaign tour across Bihar ahead of the final phases of polling, where he has sought to frame the contest as a choice between “development and Jungle Raj.”About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘They Were Treated Badly’: Families of Indians Trapped in Myanmar Job Scam React, MEA Sounds WarningPM Modi Flags Off Four Vande Bharat Express Trains From Varanasi, Says ‘New India On Fast Track’Massive Fire Engulf Bengali Basti Near Rithala Metro, One Killed As Firefighters Battle FlamesMEA Assures Full Support For Major Vikrant Jaitley Detained In UAE; Consular Access Provided‘Islamic Bomb’: Ex-CIA Officer Reveals What Drove Pakistan To Build Nukes, Big Claim On Indira GovtMEA’s Measured Response After Donald Trump Says He Could Meet PM Modi During India Visit Next Year‘Do Not Like MLA, But…’: Gaya Voters Face ‘Nitish’ Dilemma, Reveal Bihar Poll MoodIndia Exposes Pakistan’s Nuclear Lies After Donald Trump’s Claim On Underground Tests Stunned WorldRahul Gandhi Accuses PM Modi, Amit Shah, EC Of Stealing Elections, Claims Multiple Polls Manipulated‘Apaharan Department’: Amit Shah Slams Tejashwi Yadav At Jamui Rally, Raises ‘Jungle Raj’ Spectre123PhotostoriesHow to make people take you seriously: 5 powerful psychology-backed tipsBollywood films often remind us that no matter the price the bonds of family, loyalty, and love remain unbrokenThe Double Helix: Inside James Watson’s wild ride to the secret of DNAFrom Diana to Meghan: 5 iconic jewellery pieces passed down through the royalsWhy do we burn incense during prayers: What the smoke representsConstipated all the time? 5 doctor-approved food combinations that help you poop naturallyFrom Katrina-Vicky’s baby boy, Aaradhya Bachchan to Raha: Celebrity kids born in the month of NovemberNew Vande Bharat routes: Fast, modern trains now run from Varanasi to Khajuraho, Lucknow to Saharanpur, Firozpur to Delhi, and Ernakulam to BengaluruWhat is the right way to add Heeng to gravies to maximise its benefitsKidney disease among top 10 causes of death; 800 million people affected and most don’t even know it: Here’s how to catch it early123Hot PicksStock market holidayBank HolidayBihar Election 2025Gold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingMarshawn Kneeland Cause of DeathWWE Smackdown HighlightsJoe DavisShohei OhtaniGM Kyle DubasWho is CatalinaDwayne JohnsonBO Nix WifeNew Vande Bharat ExpressIndia World Cup Cash Prize
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday took a veiled jibe at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his recent fishing attempt in Begusarai, saying while Bihar’s fishery sector has grown under the NDA government, “some people are now practising diving in ponds in the state.” “The fishery sector saw huge growth in Bihar, but now some people are practising diving in ponds in the state,” PM Modi said at a public rally in Sitamarhi, drawing laughter from the crowd in an apparent reference to Rahul Gandhi’s viral video. The comment set the tone for a combative speech in which the Prime Minister targeted both the Congress and the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). “Bade bade log bhi yahan ki macchli dekhne aa rahe hain. Paani mein dubki laga rahe hain… Bihar ke election mein doobne ki practice kar rahe hain,” PM Modi quipped, extending his mockery of Rahul Gandhi’s Begusarai outing. PM Modi’s remarks came a day after Rahul Gandhi made headlines for his impromptu visit to a pond in Bharra village of Begusarai, where he joined local fishermen in catching fish following an election rally. Rahul Gandhi was accompanied by Congress leader Kanhaiya Kumar and Vikassheel Insaan Party chief Mukesh Sahani. After addressing the public meeting, Rahuk Gandhi travelled about 3 km to the pond, boarded a small boat to meet fishermen, and later jumped into the water alongside Kanhaiya, drawing cheers from villagers. Even his SPG personnel waded in to ensure his safety as he helped pull in fishing nets and interacted with locals. During the Sitamarhi rally, PM Modi also described himself as a “brand ambassador of Bihar’s art,” saying he had recently gifted a Madhubani painting to Argentina’s Vice President as a tribute to the state’s cultural legacy. “Those who insult our culture and tradition must be punished electorally,” he said. Targeting the RJD, PM Modi said its campaign exposed its attitude toward Bihar’s 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 said. PM Modi further said that voters had already given a clear message in the earlier phase of polling. “In the first phase of the elections, the people of Bihar… The people of Jungle Raj got a ‘65 volt jhatka’,” he remarked, suggesting that the opposition had been rejected. Contrasting the NDA’s focus on growth with what he termed RJD’s legacy of crime, 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’.” Highlighting youth empowerment, he added, “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.” The Sitamarhi rally was part of PM Modi’s wider campaign tour across Bihar ahead of the final phases of polling, where he has sought to frame the contest as a choice between “development and Jungle Raj.”
