15-May-2025,04:50 PM In a fiery statement that has sparked widespread political debate, Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday accused the Bihar Police of attempting to block his outreach efforts in the state. Speaking to reporters during his visit to Patna, Gandhi launched a scathing attack on the ruling NDA government, referring to it as a โDouble Engine Dhokebaaz Sarkaarโ โ a clear jab at both the state and central leadership led by the BJP and its allies.
The Congress MPโs remarks come amid escalating political tension in Bihar, where opposition parties have intensified their campaign against the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) ahead of the upcoming general elections.
Rahul Gandhi : Bihar Visit: A Political Flashpoint
The Police Face-Off: What Happened?
Rahul Gandhi was in Bihar as part of a scheduled interaction with party workers and to meet with families of victims affected by alleged police action during recent protests. However, during his route in Patna, Gandhi claimed he was stopped by Bihar Police officials and advised not to proceed with certain meetings.
โThis is not just an administrative overstep, it’s a political tactic,โ said Rahul Gandhi. โThe police, acting under pressure from the ruling regime, tried to prevent me from connecting with the people. But I will not be silenced or deterred.โ
The Bihar Police, on their part, have denied any such directive, stating that standard security protocols were followed. However, the Congress party has released videos that allegedly show officials trying to block Gandhiโs convoy, intensifying the controversy.
Rahul Gandhi Labels NDA as “Double Engine Dhokebaaz Sarkaar”
A New Political Catchphrase
One of the highlights of the press interaction was Rahul Gandhiโs coining of the term “Double Engine Dhokebaaz Sarkaar” (Double Engine Deceitful Government). This sharp political metaphor refers to the BJP-led NDA’s claim of having a “double engine” government โ one at the Centre and one in the state โ working in unison for development.
โWherever this double engine runs,โ said Rahul Gandhi, โpeople suffer. Be it price rise, unemployment, or suppression of democratic rights โ this model is a fraud. Itโs time people see through their lies.โ
The phrase has quickly gained traction on social media, with many Congress supporters amplifying it through memes, tweets, and videos. It is being seen as a bold counter-narrative to the BJP’s branding.
Rahul Gandhi Criticizes BJP Over Governance and Law & Order
Highlighting Key Failures in Bihar
Rahul Gandhi did not mince words when listing what he called the โlong list of failuresโ of the NDA in Bihar. He mentioned the deteriorating law and order situation, the rising unemployment among youth, farmer distress, and what he described as โa culture of fear and suppression.โ
โThere is no governance, only propaganda,โ said Gandhi. โThe BJP and its allies are using institutions like the police to stifle opposition. But we will continue to raise our voice for the people.โ
He also criticized the alleged mishandling of several protests across the state, particularly those involving students and job aspirants, asserting that โBihar deserves better.โ
Rahul Gandhi Emphasizes Congress’s Vision for Bihar
A Call for Unity and Progress
During his interaction with youth and local Congress workers, Rahul Gandhi highlighted his partyโs vision for Bihar. He called for inclusive development, employment generation, agricultural reforms, and stronger protection of civil liberties.
โWe donโt need a police state. We need a peopleโs government,โ he said. โThe Congress is committed to rebuilding trust and giving a voice to the voiceless.โ
Gandhi also stressed the importance of opposition unity and hinted at broader coalitions to take on the BJP in the 2024 general elections. His statements are seen as part of a larger Congress strategy to reclaim political relevance in Bihar, a state where it has struggled to maintain a stronghold in recent years.
Reactions Pour In: Supporters Laud, NDA Hits Back
Political Ripples Across Bihar and Beyond
Unsurprisingly, Rahul Gandhiโs statements have triggered a political storm. Congress allies, including RJD and Left parties, expressed solidarity with Gandhi, condemning what they called โstate-sponsored harassment.โ
The BJP, however, dismissed Gandhiโs comments as โbaseless drama.โ Bihar Deputy CM and BJP leader Vijay Kumar Sinha said, โThis is yet another attempt by Rahul Gandhi to remain politically relevant. No police force stopped him. If anything, heโs trying to mislead the people.โ
Despite the pushback, Gandhiโs remarks have ignited a wave of interest, especially among younger voters who have been active in recent social justice movements.
Security and Democracy: Rahul Gandhi Raises Larger Questions
Institutional Neutrality Under Scrutiny
Beyond political rhetoric, Rahul Gandhiโs criticism raises a deeper question about the role of institutions like the police in a democratic setup. By claiming political misuse of law enforcement, Gandhi has touched upon a concern that many civil society groups and activists have echoed over the years.
โIf police are reduced to tools of political intimidation, then we risk damaging the foundations of our democracy,โ Gandhi remarked.
His comments have sparked fresh discourse on the autonomy of state institutions and the broader trend of state surveillance and control in democratic India.
Rahul Gandhiโs Bihar Outreach: A Launchpad for 2024?
Congress’s Ground-Level Mobilization Begins
Many political observers believe that Rahul Gandhiโs recent state visits โ from Manipur to Maharashtra, and now Bihar โ are part of a larger roadmap leading to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. His visit to Bihar, with its layered socio-political dynamics and youth-centric demographics, is seen as an attempt to revive the Congressโs grassroots presence.
Sources within the Congress claim that more such state-level visits are planned, with a special focus on youth, farmers, and women voters. Rahul’s aggressive posture in Bihar could be a sign that the Congress is ready to reassert itself in key battleground states.
Conclusion: Rahul Gandhiโs Offensive May Reshape Biharโs Political Narrative
Rahul Gandhiโs bold attack on the NDA government in Bihar marks a new phase in his political strategy โ one that combines emotional appeal with pointed critiques. By framing the ruling alliance as a “Double Engine Dhokebaaz Sarkaar” and spotlighting alleged misuse of police powers, Gandhi has positioned himself as a relentless opposition voice in a rapidly evolving political landscape.
Whether this rhetoric translates into electoral gains remains to be seen. But one thing is certain โ Rahul Gandhi is no longer shying away from a direct confrontation with the powers that be.
Source : ANI
