Nityanand Rai criticized Kharge for calling Bihar a small state and demanded an apology to 13 crore Biharis.

Patna, June 26, 2025: Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai has strongly condemned Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge for his recent remarks referring to Bihar as a small state.

Calling the comment unfortunate and insulting, Rai said the 13 crore people of Bihar cannot tolerate such disrespect.

In a strongly-worded statement, Rai said: “Mallikarju Kharge has not only insulted Bihar but also attacked its glorious tradition, culture and public sentiment. This reflects the true character of the Congress party.”

Nityanand Rai claims Bihar is not a small state—it’s the land of greatness:  

Nityanand Rai remained Kharge of Bihar’s immense historic and cultural significance.

Bihar is the land of Chanakya, the land of heroes, and the land of knowledge. It is the birthplace of Lord Mahavir and the Karmbhoomi of Gautam Budha. This is also the land of Lok Nayak Jayprakash Narayan, who united the nation against the Emergency.”

Nityanand Rai further stated that Kharge’s remarks were especially disrespectful, coming at a time when the country is marking 50 years since the Emergency—a period during which Bihar played a pivotal role in resisting autocracy.

Nityanand Rai stated that Congress never wanted Bihar’s development:

Attacking the Congress party’s historic role, Rai said: “The Congress never had a vision for Bihar’s development. It was Karpoori Thakur, a son of Bihar, who truly championed social justice, not Rahul Gandhi who only speaks of it on foreign soil.”

Rai accused the Congress of repeatedly undermining Bihar’s stature and said the people of the state would respond to this insult democratically at the EVM.

Demanding a formal apology from the Congress chief, the union minister said: Mallikarjun Kharge must apologize immediately to the 13 crore citizens of Bihar. The people here are proud of their identity and have never accepted such insults.”

He also questioned the silence of Rahul Gandhi on the issue.

“Rahul Gandhi is visiting Bihar during elections but remains silent when its dignity is attacked by Delhi. This duplicity won’t be forgotten,” he said.

Nityanand Rai concluded by saying that Bihar’s people know how to respond with dignity and decisiveness, and the upcoming elections would reflect that sentiment.

Also Read: Nityanand Rai hits back at Tejashwi over Jamai Aayog jibe; Defends commission appointments.

EOM.