BJP hits back at Rahul Gandhi over Chhath Puja remarks
What's the story
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has attacked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his past remarks on Chhath Puja. The criticism was led by BJP leader Pradeep Bhandari, who shared a video of Gandhi's comments from last year's celebrations. "Nation is bowing down and praying to Chhathi Maiyya and is celebrating the festival of Chhath Puja! It was exactly a year ago during Chhath Puja in 2025, that Rahul Gandhi called 'Chhath Puja' a Drama!" Bhandari wrote on X.
Apology demand
'Will Rahul Gandhi apologize for his remarks?'
Bhandari also questioned the Congress party's respect for Hindu sentiments, particularly those of Bihar.
He demanded a public apology from Gandhi for his remarks.
"Will Rahul Gandhi who makes videos on everything under the sun, make a public video apologizing for his remarks calling 'Chhath Puja' a Drama? It has been a year and there has been no apology!" Bhandari said.
Twitter Post
BJP's Pradeep Bhandari attacks Rahul Gandhi over 'drama' re
Nation is bowing down and praying to Chhathi Maiyya and is celebrating the festival of Chhath Puja!
— Pradeep Bhandari(प्रदीप भंडारी)🇮🇳 (@pradip103) November 14, 2026
It was exactly a year ago during Chhath Puja in 2025 , that Rahul Gandhi called "Chhath Puja" a Drama!
If Congress party respects Hindu sentiments & People of Bihar;
Will… pic.twitter.com/yA3DNjD6Ue
Cultural discord
MNS chief Raj Thackeray accuses BJP of cultural aggression
The BJP's remarks came after Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray accused the party of a "divide and rule" strategy over Chhath Puja.
In a post on X, Thackeray alleged that the BJP and its social media ecosystem were trying to create discord in Maharashtra with reels related to Chhath Puja.
He also criticized what he called "cultural aggression" in the name of the festival.