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BANGLA EPAPER 📍 Dhaka 📅 Tuesday | 21 July 2026, 6 Srabon 1433

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Amit Shah draws criticism over remarks on Rahul Gandhi

Published : Tuesday, 21 July, 2026 at 7:34 PM

Observer Online Report

A political row has erupted over Chhath Puja ahead of the Bihar elections, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah coming under fire for remarks targeting Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.

The controversy began after Rahul Gandhi criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Chhath Puja arrangements in Delhi. To avoid the polluted waters of the Yamuna, an artificial water body was reportedly prepared for the Prime Minister's ritual, which Opposition leaders described as a "fake Yamuna".

Reacting to the arrangement, Rahul Gandhi alleged that the Prime Minister had insulted Chhath Puja and accused him of doing anything for votes.

Amit Shah said at a press conference Rahul Gandhi did not understand Indian culture because "his maternal side is from Italy."

The remarks sparked widespread criticism, with many saying such personal comments were inappropriate for a Union home minister.

Political analyst Prabhat Chattopadhyay said the remarks went beyond political criticism and risked linking culture with personal identity.

Economist and analyst Amar Singh said religious sentiment remains an important factor in Bihar politics, but personal attacks on an individual's roots were inconsistent with political decorum.

Congress also condemned Shah's remarks. Party spokesperson Pawan Khera said the home minister had used such language to divert attention from the government's failure to clean the Yamuna, accusing the BJP of using Chhath Puja to deflect criticism.

SKS

https://www.jugantor.com/international/1022864

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Editor : Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury

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