Congress leader Rahul Gandhi arrived in Begusarai today morning to campaign for the Bihar Assembly elections. He addressed two rallies in Bihar—one in Begusarai and another in Khagaria.

After the Begusarai rally, Rahul Gandhi was seen fishing in a pond, a video of which has gone viral on social media. The former Congress president, accompanied by VIP Party leader Mukesh Sahni, went to a pond three kilometers from the rally site.

Rahul Gandhi joined local fishermen in catching fish with nets and even jumped into the pond from a boat. Congress leader Kanhaiya and Begusarai Sadar Congress candidate Amita Bhushan were also present.

After fishing, Gandhi interacted with the fishermen, learning about their livelihoods and discussing their challenges.

Addressing the rally, Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, claiming he is “controlled” by industrialists Mukesh Ambani and Gautam Adani. He also criticized Modi’s claim of a “56-inch chest,” saying courage cannot be measured by appearances.

"Operation Sindoor happened, Donald Trump's phone comes, Modi ji, who says they have a 56 inch chest gets scared as Donald Trump says to shut this Sindoor, and within two days PM Modi stopped it. The truth is that Narendra Modi is not only afraid of the US president, but he is also being controlled by people like Adani-Ambani," Rahul Gandhi said here."PM Modi has 56-inch chest, but the truth is that we don't get to know a person's courage with the size of the chest. (Mahatma) Gandhi ji fought against the Britishers, he didn't have a big chest but he was not afraid. There are many such people who do not have a big chest but are not cowards, but others are also there with 56-inch chest but are cowards," the Congress leader said.

Gandhi recalled the 1971 war, to emphasize leaders like Indira Gandhi who acted independently despite international pressure, said, "During the 1971 war, the Indian Army was fighting against Pakistan. The American Navy intervened, and the then American President, Richard Nixon, threatened the then Indian Prime Minister to stop the war and whatever was happening in Bangladesh. Indira Gandhi did not back down; she said that the US should do what they want, and India will do what we want—and we showed them."

Continuing his tirade at the Bharatiya Janata Party, Rahul Gandhi criticized union Home Minister Amit Shah for saying that there is no land in Bihar to set up industries. The Congress leader claimed that deals giving away land at Rs 1 to industrialist Adani have left no land for the state.

"A few days ago, Amit Shah said there is no land to set up a company in Bihar. But I want to ask the Prime Minister: they say there is no land, yet you can give it to Adani for Rs 1 after taking it. There is land for that, but no land for Bihar's development," he said.

The Grand Alliance has pledged financial assistance of Rs 5,000 per fisher family during the lean period, fisheries insurance, market access, training centers, fish markets, and rejuvenation of rivers and ponds, with priority for traditional fishermen. Gandhi also promised that if the Mahagathbandhan comes to power, Bihar will get a university comparable to Nalanda University, attracting students from across the globe.

Gandhi alleged BJP’s history of “vote rigging” in past elections and urged voters to remain vigilant. “Remember, in a democracy, your vote is your most powerful weapon,” he said.

Begusarai, traditionally a BJP stronghold dominated by upper-caste ‘Bhumihaar’ voters, will see a high-stakes contest between BJP sitting MLA Kundan Kumar and Congress candidate Amita Bhushan. The 243-seat Bihar Assembly elections will be held in two phases on November 6 and 11, with counting scheduled for November 14.