Rahul Gandhi Alleges BJP Pays TV Channels for Modi Coverage, Accuses NDA of “Vote Theft” in Bihar
Bhagalpur, November 8 (TheTrendingPeople.com): Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday launched a blistering attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) during a rally in Bhagalpur, Bihar, accusing the ruling party of “buying media visibility” and using money power to silence opposition voices ahead of the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025.
Speaking to a charged crowd, Gandhi alleged that the BJP was paying television networks to broadcast Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s face “24 hours a day”, calling it a deliberate attempt to manipulate public perception and drown out alternative viewpoints.
“The BJP pays TV channels to show the Prime Minister’s face 24 hours a day. This is not organic visibility — it’s paid promotion. They are trying to silence every other voice in this country,” Gandhi said, sparking loud cheers from the audience.
The Congress leader’s remarks come amid an intensifying political battle between the INDIA bloc and the NDA alliance, with both sides ramping up campaign rhetoric as Bihar heads into a crucial election season.
Targeting BJP Over Media Control and Money Power
Gandhi claimed that the BJP was using its financial influence and media dominance to control political narratives, leaving little space for opposition viewpoints to reach the public.
“Opposition leaders are denied airtime, our rallies aren’t shown, our voices are muted. The BJP uses money to buy headlines and drown the truth,” Gandhi said.
He further accused the government of turning the country’s media ecosystem into a propaganda tool, asserting that “independent journalism has been replaced with sponsored storytelling.”
Political analysts noted that Gandhi’s comments are part of a broader strategy by the Congress to frame the 2025 Bihar elections as a battle between democracy and media manipulation — a message that resonates strongly with young and first-time voters.
“Stop Vote Theft” – Gandhi’s Call to Bihar’s Youth
Continuing his attack, Gandhi urged the youth of Bihar to stay vigilant against what he called “vote chori” (vote theft), alleging that the BJP and its allies were attempting to tamper with electoral processes.
“It is the responsibility of the people of Bihar, especially the youth, to stop this vote theft. Don’t let them steal your future,” he said, accusing the BJP of “rigging systems” in its favour.
He claimed that similar patterns of voter list tampering and electoral manipulation had been seen in other states, warning that “Bihar cannot afford to let its democracy be hijacked.”
The appeal marks a renewed attempt by the Congress to mobilise younger voters, particularly in the age group of 18–25, who form a significant portion of Bihar’s electorate.
“Modi Wants Youth Addicted to Reels and Distraction”
In a sharp personal attack on Prime Minister Modi, Gandhi alleged that the BJP government was deliberately promoting digital distraction to prevent the youth from questioning unemployment and economic stagnation.
“Modi wants you to become addicted to making reels on Instagram and Facebook. This is the new high — the new nasha (addiction) of the 21st century. As long as you are busy making reels, you won’t question why there are no jobs, no hospitals, and no good schools,” Gandhi said.
He linked the “social media obsession” to what he described as the BJP’s larger strategy of “controlling minds through distraction.”
Local Congress workers in Bhagalpur echoed his sentiment, claiming that “the youth are being kept busy with entertainment while their real issues — employment, inflation, and education — are ignored.”
“Vote Chori” Allegations Against Modi and Shah
Gandhi also levelled serious allegations against Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, accusing them of “indulging in vote theft” in Bihar.
“Modi and Amit Shah are scared because they know the NDA will not win these elections. That is why they are engaging in vote chori,” he said.
He asserted that the INDIA bloc, if voted to power, would form a government representing the extremely backward, socially marginalised, and Dalit communities.
“This will be a government of the people — for those who have been ignored, exploited, and silenced,” Gandhi said, positioning the Congress-led coalition as the voice of inclusivity and social justice.
Crowd Reaction and Ground Reports
The rally, held at Sandis Compound Ground in Bhagalpur, drew thousands of supporters, with Congress flags and INDIA bloc banners visible across the venue. Eyewitnesses described the atmosphere as charged yet peaceful, with chants of “Bharat Jodo, Bihar Bachao” echoing through the crowd.
Local resident Anita Devi, a first-time voter, told TheTrendingPeople.com:
“Rahul Gandhi spoke about the problems we face every day — rising prices and no jobs. The media doesn’t show that side.”
Another attendee, Ravi Kumar, a university student, said Gandhi’s remarks about “media bias” resonated strongly with young people.
“We see the same face on every channel, every day. It’s time our issues are also shown,” he said.
Political Context: INDIA Bloc vs. NDA
Gandhi’s Bhagalpur rally is part of the Congress’s Bihar campaign trail, aimed at strengthening the INDIA bloc’s presence in the state — a coalition that includes RJD, Congress, Left parties, and smaller regional outfits.
The NDA, led by the BJP and JD(U), currently holds power in Bihar but faces mounting challenges amid anti-incumbency and allegations of uneven development.
Political observers believe Gandhi’s aggressive tone is intended to energise the Congress cadre and position the INDIA bloc as a moral counterweight to the BJP’s dominance.
“Gandhi’s rhetoric around media capture and youth mobilisation fits the INDIA bloc’s broader strategy of portraying the BJP as authoritarian and detached from real issues,” said Patna-based political analyst Prof. Arvind Sharma.
Why It Matters
With Bihar being one of India’s most politically significant states — accounting for 40 Lok Sabha seats and a key battleground in the national narrative — Gandhi’s remarks are likely to resonate beyond state borders.
The speech not only underscores Congress’s anti-establishment narrative but also amplifies concerns about media independence, electoral transparency, and youth unemployment — themes that are central to the INDIA bloc’s national campaign strategy ahead of Lok Sabha 2026.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com
Rahul Gandhi’s fiery speech in Bhagalpur reflects a strategic escalation in Congress’s messaging — one that blends populist anger with systemic critique. His allegations against the BJP for “media manipulation” and “vote theft” are designed to shift the discourse from personalities to power dynamics.
As Bihar heads into an emotionally charged election, Gandhi’s appeal to youth and marginalised communities signals the Congress’s intent to reclaim ground through direct public engagement rather than relying solely on coalition arithmetic.
The political temperature in Bihar has clearly risen — and as both camps sharpen their narratives, the fight for Bihar’s future will likely hinge on whose version of truth the people choose to believe.