Archive · 17 Sep 2026
Bihar Floods Fuel Row Over PM Modi Birthday Celebrations
Prime Minister Modi’s birthday is being celebrated across India.
In Bihar, the BJP-led government asked some government offices and schools to light lamps.
Bihar is also facing widespread flooding.
Many families have reportedly lost homes, livestock or loved ones.
RJD MLA Bhai Virendra said the celebrations should be smaller.
He argued that the money used for lamps could help people affected by the floods.
He also criticised the government over inflation, unemployment and crime.
His comments have created a political argument in Bihar.
BJP-organised birthday programmes for Prime Minister Modi have sparked controversy in flood-hit Bihar.
The Bihar government directed government institutions and educational establishments to light lamps for the occasion.
RJD MLA Bhai Virendra said public money should instead support families affected by flooding.
He cited the price of mustard oil and questioned spending it on lamps during the crisis.
Bhai Virendra also accused the government of failing to adequately address inflation, unemployment and crime.
- Who
- RJD MLA Bhai Virendra criticised birthday celebrations organised by the BJP-led Bihar government for Prime Minister Modi.
- What
- Government institutions and educational establishments were directed to light lamps, prompting criticism over the use of public funds during flooding.
- When
- During Prime Minister Modi’s birthday celebrations, while Bihar was experiencing ongoing floods.
- Where
- Bihar, with celebrations taking place at government institutions, schools and block offices.
- Why
- Bhai Virendra argued that resources should be directed toward flood relief for affected families instead of birthday events.
RJD criticism
BJP-led government celebrations
Use of public funds
RJD criticism
Bhai Virendra argued that money spent on lamps and celebrations should be given to flood victims.
BJP-led government celebrations
The BJP organised birthday programmes, and the Bihar government directed institutions and schools to participate by lighting lamps.
Timing of celebrations
RJD criticism
The RJD said large-scale celebrations were inappropriate while families were suffering from floods and receiving inadequate assistance.
BJP-led government celebrations
The BJP-led government proceeded with the birthday-related programmes during the ongoing flood situation; the articles do not provide a specific response to the criticism.
- Political figure
- Prime Minister Modi
- Critic
- Bhai Virendra, Rashtriya Janata Dal MLA from Maner
- Celebrations
- The Bharatiya Janata Party organised programmes to mark Modi’s birthday.
- Government direction
- Lamps were to be lit at government institutions and educational establishments.
- Flood situation
- Thousands of families across Bihar were reported to be affected by widespread flooding.
- Mustard oil price cited
- Bhai Virendra said mustard oil was selling at Rs 200 per litre.
- Criticism
- The RJD MLA said funds should instead be used for flood relief and broader public problems.