Amit Shah’s Sita temple pitch sparks political storm in Bihar ahead of polls
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has reignited Bihar’s political landscape by pitching a grand Sita temple in Sitamarhi ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections. Speaking at the “Shashwat Mithila Mahotsav 2025” in Ahmedabad, he linked the project to the BJP’s success in building the Ram temple in Ayodhya. Shah invited Mithila residents to join him in Bihar, where he plans to campaign before the polls.
His remarks triggered strong reactions. The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) accused the BJP of taking undue credit for the temple renovation. Senior RJD leader Lalu Prasad dismissed Shah’s influence, declaring that “Bihar has no place for holding camps for Shah.” RJD spokesperson Sarika Paswan argued that communal politics would not work in Bihar, emphasizing the state’s tradition of religious harmony.
The Janata Dal (United), BJP’s ally in Bihar, took a different stance. While welcoming the temple project, JD(U) demanded increased central funding. Party spokesperson Neeraj Kumar stressed that the renovation of Punaura Dham, believed to be Sita’s birthplace, was originally a state-led initiative. He urged the Centre to provide additional assistance, linking the project to a proposed road network between Ayodhya and Sitamarhi.
The BJP has actively promoted the Sita temple plan, positioning it alongside the Ram temple in Ayodhya. State BJP spokesperson Asit Nath Tiwari called it a proud continuation of the party’s commitment to Hindu religious heritage.
Congress leaders, however, dismissed Shah’s statements as political maneuvering. Party spokesperson Gyan Ranjan Gupta accused the BJP of exploiting religious sentiments for votes. He warned that Shah’s campaign in Bihar would be met with tough questions on unfulfilled promises.
The Sita temple renovation, first sanctioned in September 2023, was part of a broader religious tourism initiative. At the time, JD(U) and RJD were allies under the Mahagathbandhan government. However, JD(U) switched back to the BJP-led NDA in January 2024, shifting political dynamics.
With elections approaching, the BJP aims to consolidate Hindu votes by linking the Sita temple project to its broader cultural agenda. Meanwhile, the opposition sees it as an attempt to divert attention from governance issues. As the campaign heats up, Bihar’s political battle is set to intensify.
