In a dramatic escalation of election rhetoric ahead of the crucial Bihar polls, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma launched a blistering attack on the opposition, drawing parallels between Lalu Prasad Yadav's family and Mughal rulers Babur and Aurangzeb while invoking the Ramayana narrative.
Ramayana Meets Election Politics
The political temperature soared as Sarma, addressing election rallies in Bihar, framed the upcoming battle as a continuation of the ancient conflict between Lord Ram and demon king Ravan. In his fiery speech, the BJP leader didn't mince words while targeting the opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD).
"Just as Babur and Aurangzeb attacked our culture centuries ago," Sarma declared, "the RJD and its leadership have consistently worked against Hindu interests and traditions."
PM Modi's Spiritual Counterpoint
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered prayers at the newly constructed Ram Temple in Ayodhya, performing puja to Lord Ram and his brother Laxman. The timing of the Prime Minister's religious visit created a powerful visual counterpoint to Sarma's political messaging.
The synchronized actions represent what political analysts are calling a "soft-hard power" approach to election campaigning - with Modi embodying spiritual devotion while party colleagues handle the aggressive political attacks.
Historical References Spark Controversy
Sarma's invocation of Mughal rulers Babur and Aurangzeb, widely criticized in Hindu nationalist circles for their temple destruction policies, represents an escalation in the BJP's election strategy. The Assam CM specifically targeted:
- Lalu Prasad Yadav's political legacy
- Tejashwi Yadav's leadership of RJD
- The opposition's secular politics framework
This isn't the first time the BJP has used historical religious figures in political messaging, but the direct comparison to Mughal rulers during election season marks a significant intensification of the party's campaign rhetoric.
Bihar's Political Landscape Heats Up
With Bihar being a crucial battleground state, the Ram Temple narrative combined with historical references appears designed to polarize the electorate along religious lines. The BJP hopes this strategy will:
- Consolidate the Hindu vote bank
- Shift focus from development issues to cultural identity
- Create a clear "us versus them" narrative
As the election campaign intensifies, observers note that religious symbolism and historical grievances are becoming central themes, potentially overshadowing traditional election issues like employment, agriculture, and development.
The coming weeks will reveal whether this aggressive cultural positioning resonates with Bihar's diverse electorate or backfires in a state known for its complex social equations.
