On August 2, 2025, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh strongly criticized Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for claiming he possessed an “atom bomb of evidence” that allegedly proves the Election Commission’s involvement in vote tampering in Bihar. Speaking at a media event in Patna, Singh likened the upcoming Assembly elections to a turning point, stating that the NDA offers a path toward continued development, while the INDIA bloc would drag the state back into an era of lawlessness and caste divisions.

Taking a swipe at Gandhi’s remarks, Singh said, “If he truly has an atom bomb, he should go ahead and detonate it—just make sure he stays safe.” Recalling Gandhi’s past dramatic claims, Singh mocked his earlier “earthquake in Parliament” threat, which he said ultimately came to nothing. The Defence Minister strongly defended the Election Commission, calling it a body of “unquestionable integrity” and asserting that it is working tirelessly to ensure free and fair elections in Bihar. He said such reckless comments from the Opposition were inappropriate and undermined public trust in constitutional institutions.

Singh also reminded Gandhi of the Congress party’s own controversial history, referencing the 1975 Emergency and accusing the party of attempting to “murder democracy.” He went on to praise Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, a key NDA ally, for his leadership over the past two decades, crediting him with transforming the state’s image. “Bihar is no longer seen as a hopeless case,” Singh said, pointing out that even *The Economist*, which had once referred to Bihar disparagingly, now acknowledges the state’s progress under Kumar’s governance.