#BiharRally: Nitin Gadkari Targets Opposition With “Anje, Panje, Ganje” Remark Before Bihar Polls

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari delivered a spirited rally address in Manjhi on November 3, 2025, urging Bihar voters to propel the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) to victory in the upcoming assembly elections by delivering an "electric current" strong enough to eradicate the opposition Mahagathbandhan, which he derisively labelled "Anje, Panje, Ganje." Speaking ahead of the first phase of polling set for November 6, Gadkari emphasised the synergy of the "double engine" governments at the state and central levels, crediting them with accelerating Bihar's infrastructure growth.

"Our Rajdhani Express is running at full speed; on election day, your job is to wave the green flag and press the arrow symbol," he declared, promising world-class roads comparable to those in the United States and a series of impressive bridges to transform connectivity. This comes as campaigning halts this evening, with the NDA—comprising BJP, JD(U), LJP (Ram Vilas), HAM(S), and RLM—pitted against the RJD-led Mahagathbandhan, including Congress, CPI(ML), CPI, CPM, and VIP, alongside Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj contesting all 243 seats.

Gadkari's remarks followed a sharp barb from Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who at a Keoti rally likened the Mahagathbandhan's star campaigners—Congress leader Rahul Gandhi ("Pappu"), RJD's Tejashwi Yadav ("Tappu"), and SP's Akhilesh Yadav ("Appu")—to Mahatma Gandhi's three monkeys embodying "speak no evil, hear no evil, see no evil." Adityanath accused the trio of being blind, deaf, and mute to Bihar's developmental strides under NDA rule, framing their campaign as a denial of progress in areas like employment and law enforcement.

This exchange highlights the escalating rhetorical jousting in Bihar's high-stakes polls, where the NDA seeks to retain power after Nitish Kumar's JD(U) realignment, while the opposition capitalises on youth unemployment and caste-based mobilisation. Polling across 243 constituencies will unfold in phases on November 6 and 11, with results slated for November 14.

The Bihar elections underscore a broader narrative of contrasting visions: the NDA touting tangible infrastructure gains, such as expanded national highways from 4,000 km in 2014 to over 6,000 km today and initiatives like the Patna-Purnea Motorway, against the Mahagathbandhan's focus on social justice and welfare promises. Gadkari reiterated commitments to sustainable growth, including ethanol blending targets and rural electrification, positioning the alliance as a bulwark against what he implied was the opposition's regressive influence.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent salvos have reinforced this theme, branding the NDA as synonymous with "development" and the opposition with "destruction", amid surveys predicting a tight contest influenced by alliances and voter turnout in the state's diverse demographics.

Also Read: #BiharRally: Campaigning Ends Today; PM Modi to Address BJP Women Workers

As the dust settles on pre-poll fervour, the rhetoric reveals deep-seated political fault lines in Bihar, a state pivotal to national coalitions with 40 Lok Sabha seats. Analysts note that such personalised attacks, while energising bases, risk alienating moderates in an electorate weary of acrimony. With over 7 crore voters registered, the outcome could reshape alliances ahead of 2029's general elections, potentially bolstering or challenging the NDA's dominance in Hindi heartland politics. Voter education drives and EVM awareness campaigns continue, ensuring a fair process in this democratic milestone.

Also Read: Bihar Elections 2025: PM Modi, Amit Shah, Yogi Adityanath, BJP’s Star Campaigners