Why Did HM Amit Shah Criticize Rahul Gandhi and Lalu Prasad Yadav Over Voter List Concerns?

Patna, Aug 8 (NationPress) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday launched a strong critique against Leader of the Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi and RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav for their objections to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list, accusing them of safeguarding the interests of infiltrator vote banks.

Speaking at a public rally in Sitamarhi, Shah asserted, “The Constitution of India does not grant voting rights to individuals not born in this country. While Rahul Gandhi carries a copy of the Constitution, I challenge him to read it thoroughly. Infiltrators have no right to engage in our elections. They are your vote bank, and that is the reason for your protests.”

Shah reminded the opposition that revisions to the voter list are not a new phenomenon, stating, “It was your great-grandfather Jawaharlal Nehru who initiated this process. You’ve been losing elections one after another, and now you are already making excuses for losing Bihar as well. The establishment of the NDA government in Bihar is inevitable.”

Encouraging the audience to support the SIR initiative, Shah claimed that the RJD and Congress are anxious about losing votes if “intruders” are purged from the electoral rolls.

“As long as Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government is in power, your attempts to convert intruders into citizens will be futile,” he declared.

In response to RJD’s allegation that the Centre has provided little for Bihar, Shah stated, “PM Modi has made six visits to Bihar this year alone, announcing projects worth Rs 83,000 crore for the state.”

He contrasted the Modi administration’s security record with that of the Congress era, alleging the latter’s inaction against terrorism.

“During the Congress period, terrorists infiltrated, detonated bombs, and returned to Pakistan. Under Modi, we have delivered appropriate responses — the Pulwama attack was met with an airstrike, the Uri attack prompted a surgical strike, and after Pahalgam, we struck deep within Pakistan under Operation Sindoor, dismantling terror networks,” Shah asserted.

Shah emphasized that the Modi government is devoted to national security.

He noted that the NDA government under PM Modi has honored the heritage of Mithila in numerous significant ways, highlighting both cultural recognition and infrastructure advancements.

While addressing a gathering after performing the Bhoomi Pujan for the redevelopment of Maa Sita's birthplace at Punaura Dham, Shah recalled that the late Bihar Kokila Sharda Sinha received the Padma Bhushan in 2018 and was posthumously awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 2025.

He mentioned that Atal Bihari Vajpayee had included Maithili in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, while PM Modi has further promoted Maithili art and culture.

Discussing the importance of goddess Sita in Indian tradition, Shah remarked, “Mata Sita holds a special position in our culture. In her lifetime, she epitomized the ideals of a perfect wife, daughter, mother, and Rajmata.”

He also announced the launch of the Sitamarhi–Delhi Amrit Bharat Express, which will benefit Raxaul, Narkatiaganj, Bagaha, and Sitamarhi.

“Today is a propitious day. During the Ramayana era, a golden plough was utilized here to invoke rain, leading to the appearance of Maa Janaki. Today, as we performed the Bhoomi Pujan, rain has once again graced us — a positive sign not just for Bihar, but for the entire nation,” he noted.

Describing Mithila’s heritage as “a unique gem of Indian culture,” Shah expressed his fortune in being part of the launch of the Rs 882.87 crore initiative for the integrated development of the Punauradham temple and complex.