PM Modi seeks UNESCO heritage tag for Chhath festival
PM Modi said his Bihar family members are contesting to help secure a strong, decisive victory for the BJP-NDA.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday addressed a massive election rally in Muzaffarpur, Bihar, where he took sharp aim at the Congress and the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), accusing them of “insulting Chhathi Maiyya for votes.” In a charged speech that blended faith, politics, and development promises, the Prime Minister said that the BJP-led NDA government is working to secure a UNESCO heritage tag for the Chhath festival, a deeply revered cultural celebration in Bihar and across eastern India.
“Chhath is not just a festival; it’s a symbol of devotion, discipline, and purity that connects crores of people,” Modi told the enthusiastic crowd, many of whom cheered at the mention of “Chhathi Maiyya.” He added, “Our government is trying to get the Chhath festival recognized globally by securing a UNESCO heritage tag so that the world can see the strength and spirituality of our traditions.”
Earlier in the day, PM Modi took to social media to share his message ahead of his Bihar visit. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he wrote, “My family members from Bihar are themselves in the electoral fray to ensure a resounding victory for the BJP-NDA.” The Prime Minister said he was confident that voters would give the NDA a “grand victory,” praising the people of Bihar for their strong faith in development and good governance.
Thursday’s rally was part of Modi’s broader campaign trail across poll-bound Bihar. He announced that he would be addressing two rallies in the state on the day and reminded the audience that he had already kick-started the NDA campaign on October 24 with large gatherings in Samastipur and Begusarai. The rallies are being viewed as a key moment in setting the tone for the final leg of the Bihar Assembly elections, which are expected to be tightly contested.
Meanwhile, the Opposition is also intensifying its campaign. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to address rallies in Nalanda and Sheikhpura districts, as the INDIA bloc aims to regain ground in a state where it faces an uphill battle against the BJP-led alliance.
On Wednesday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah also campaigned aggressively in Bihar, addressing four rallies in Lakhisarai, Munger, Nalanda, and Patna. Shah targeted the INDIA bloc with his trademark combative style, alleging that RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav wanted to make his son Tejashwi Yadav the Chief Minister of Bihar, while Congress leader Sonia Gandhi aspired to see her son Rahul Gandhi become Prime Minister. “But both those posts are not vacant,” Shah declared, drawing loud applause from party supporters.
In response, Tejashwi Yadav, the RJD’s key face in Bihar and the opposition alliance’s CM candidate, defended the INDIA bloc’s campaign and reaffirmed the alliance’s promises. Speaking at a press briefing, he said, “Our manifesto is not just a list of promises; it is our resolution and our commitment to the people of Bihar. Every assurance will be fulfilled when the Mahagathbandhan comes to power.”
As campaigning gains momentum, the state is witnessing a charged political atmosphere. With both the NDA and INDIA bloc leaders crisscrossing Bihar, voters are being courted with promises ranging from cultural pride and job creation to infrastructure growth and social justice.
For now, all eyes remain on Prime Minister Modi’s rallies, which continue to draw massive crowds. His appeal to tradition, combined with a message of progress, appears designed to strike a chord with Biharis who hold Chhath Puja close to their hearts.