Rahul Gandhi's Bihar visit will have no impact, says Giriraj Singh

IANS April 7, 2025 113 views

Rahul Gandhi launched his 'Palayan Roko, Naukri Do' padayatra in Begusarai, targeting issues of migration and unemployment. Union Minister Giriraj Singh quickly countered Gandhi's campaign, asserting that the visit would have no political impact. Singh highlighted the NDA government's achievements in job creation and infrastructure development. The padayatra is seen as Congress's strategic move to regain political ground in Bihar ahead of the 2025 Assembly elections.

"Rahul Gandhi himself keeps migrating -- from Uttar Pradesh to Kerala and now to Bihar." - Giriraj Singh
Patna, April 7: As senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi kicked off his 'Palayan Roko, Naukri Do' padayatra from Begusarai on Monday, Union Textile Minister and local Member of Parliament Giriraj Singh dismissed the visit as politically inconsequential.

Key Points

1

Giriraj Singh criticizes Gandhi's migration campaign as politically irrelevant

2

NDA government claims eight lakh jobs created in Bihar

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Singh highlights Modi's infrastructure development in Begusarai

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Congress padayatra aims to address unemployment issues

Speaking to reporters at Patna airport, Singh ridiculed Gandhi's campaign against migration, saying, "Rahul Gandhi himself keeps migrating -- from Uttar Pradesh to Kerala and now to Bihar. How can someone like that talk about stopping migration in the state? His visit won't have any impact here."

Singh touted the achievements of the Nitish Kumar-led NDA government, claiming that Bihar had undergone a transformation since 2005 under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"From roads and bridges to employment, Bihar has progressed significantly. Eight lakh government jobs have already been given, and four lakh more are in the pipeline. Rahul Gandhi should do his homework before making tall claims," he said.

Taking a dig at the Congress's past promises, Singh invoked a historical reference. "Rahul Gandhi is in Begusarai today, but it was his father, Rajiv Gandhi, who promised a petrochemical plant here back in 1985. He became an MP twice but never delivered. Now, under Modi's leadership, the Barauni Refinery has been modernized at a cost of Rs 25,000 crore, and Begusarai is witnessing large-scale chemical and fertilizer production."

Singh also accused Gandhi of being ideologically opposed to Hindu symbolism. "Rahul Gandhi hates saffron -- that's why his padayatra is all in white. Let him walk around spreading confusion. It won't change the reality on the ground."

Meanwhile, Gandhi, accompanied by Congress youth leader Kanhaiya Kumar, began the much-publicized padayatra amid large crowds and enthusiastic youth participation.

The campaign is aimed at highlighting issues of unemployment and forced migration and forms part of the Congress's broader effort to regain political ground in Bihar ahead of the 2025 Assembly elections.

After taking part in the padyatra for a while, Rahul Gandhi returned to Patna to attend the Social Justice Conference and will later hold organisational meetings with party workers at Sadaqat Ashram.

Reader Comments

P
Priya K.
Interesting to see both sides making their case. While Singh has valid points about development, dismissing Gandhi's visit entirely seems premature. Let's see how the public responds! 🤔
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Amit S.
The personal attacks don't help anyone. We should focus on actual policies and results rather than what color someone wears. Both leaders need to rise above this.
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Rahul M.
Singh makes good points about infrastructure development, but completely ignoring the unemployment issue isn't right. The youth turnout for Gandhi's padayatra shows people care about jobs!
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Sunita P.
As someone from Bihar, I've seen real improvements in roads and electricity. But we still need more jobs close to home so our children don't have to migrate. Both leaders should work on this together!
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Vikram J.
The historical reference about the petrochemical plant was a low blow. Every party has unfulfilled promises. Let's focus on current issues rather than digging up 40-year-old statements.
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Neha T.
Whether you support Congress or BJP, you have to admit that Gandhi walking through Bihar and talking to people directly is better than just giving speeches from Delhi. More politicians should do this! 👏

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Tags:
Rahul Gandhi Giriraj Singh Bihar Politics Migration Congress Padayatra Nitish Kumar Narendra Modi
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