Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) MP Shambhavi Choudhary sharply rebuked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday for his remarks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Chhath Puja plans, labelling them politically motivated and culturally insensitive during NDTV's Power Play Bihar conclave. The 26-year-old MP from Samastipur, speaking at the event, urged Gandhi to refrain from commenting on traditions he does not fully grasp, emphasising that Chhath—a four-day festival of sun worship revered across Bihar and eastern India—transcends mere ritual to embody deep emotional and cultural significance for the state's residents. Choudhary defended Modi's intent to participate in the Yamuna River dip as a genuine gesture of solidarity, contrasting it with what she saw as Gandhi's dismissive portrayal of the event as "drama" and an artificial vote-seeking ploy.

Gandhi's earlier critique, delivered during a public address, accused Modi of staging a cleaned-up river patch for the puja only to shelve it upon exposure, further alleging the Prime Minister would "do anything for votes, even dance." Choudhary countered that Modi's visit to Bihar was apolitical, focused on extending festive greetings rather than campaigning, and questioned Gandhi's advisors for allowing such uninformed barbs. This exchange highlights escalating pre-election rhetoric in Bihar, where Chhath—celebrated with rigorous fasting, offerings, and communal gatherings—serves as a unifying cultural touchstone amid polarised narratives. As the festival approaches later this month, such comments risk alienating voters who view it as a symbol of resilience and devotion in one of India's most populous states.

Shifting focus to women's empowerment, Choudhary, who became one of India's youngest MPs in 2024 at age 25, reflected on Bihar's patriarchal legacy and the transformative shifts since 2005 under successive governments. She stressed that discourse must evolve from mere empowerment to active leadership, crediting policy interventions for enabling women to fund their own festival celebrations this year—a marker of financial independence.

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Addressing scepticism over the timing of pre-election cash transfers to female voters, she acknowledged the poll-season rollout but framed it within two decades of sustained efforts, including reservations and skill programmes that have boosted female workforce participation from under 20% in the early 2000s to over 30% today, per state data.

As a third-generation politician from the influential Paswan family, Choudhary detailed her seamless entry into the fray, guided by LJP (RV) leader Chirag Paswan's emphasis on youth and gender inclusivity. She noted the party's deliberate push for diverse tickets, countering barriers faced by newcomers in ticket distribution, and described politics as a relentless "test every five years" that demands public validation. With Bihar's assembly elections unfolding in two phases on November 6 and 11—counting on November 14—Choudhary's optimistic vision underscores the NDA's strategy to leverage women's and youth votes in a contest projected to see over 70% turnout, potentially reshaping the 243-seat house amid alliances like the Mahagathbandhan's counter-mobilisation.

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