‘Not a Gathbandhan, But A Lath Bandhan’: Modi Questions Opposition Unity In Bihar

Published: Thursday, October 23, 2025, 19:48 [IST]

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday took a swipe at the opposition alliance in Bihar, specifically targeting the partnership between the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Congress, calling it a "lath bandhan" rather than a true "gathbandhan." The remark, suggesting disorder and coercion, comes as the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) officially named Tejashwi Yadav as its chief ministerial face for the 2025 Bihar Assembly Elections.

Mahagathbandhan Faces Internal Challenges

The alliance comprises RJD, Congress, Left parties (CPI, CPI(M), CPI-ML), and Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP), with Mukesh Sahani projected as the deputy CM candidate. However, reports indicate that unresolved seat-sharing negotiations have created friction within the bloc. In several constituencies, RJD and Congress candidates may contest against each other in so-called "friendly fights," a situation that NDA leaders have seized upon to question the opposition's unity.

AI Summary

AI-generated summary, reviewed by editors

Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized the RJD-Congress alliance in Bihar, referring to it as a 'lath bandhan' ahead of the 2025 Assembly elections, where Tejashwi Yadav is the Mahagathbandhan's chief ministerial face. The NDA, led by BJP, is highlighting internal conflicts within the RJD, Congress, and Left parties as the election is scheduled in two phases on November 6 and 11, 2025.

Not a Gathbandhan But A Lath Bandhan Modi Questions Opposition Unity In Bihar

BJP and NDA Strategy

The BJP-led NDA has highlighted these internal rifts in its campaign messaging, portraying the opposition as fragmented and lacking clear leadership. NDA leaders argue that alliances formed out of political desperation could hinder Bihar's peace, stability, and development. In Bihar, the NDA coalition continues under the leadership of the BJP, JD(U), and regional allies.

Election Timeline

The two-phase Bihar Assembly elections are scheduled for November 6 and 11, 2025, with results expected on November 14. Tejashwi Yadav's appointment as the opposition CM candidate, alongside ongoing seat-sharing controversies, has intensified the political battle in the state, making it highly polarized and competitive.

Political Implications

PM Modi's "lath bandhan" barb reflects the BJP's strategy to undermine the opposition's credibility and project the NDA as a stable alternative, positioning the ruling coalition as the party of governance and cohesion ahead of the high-stakes Bihar elections.

Published On October 23, 2025