Rahul Gandhi Jumps Into Pond to Catch Fish in Begusarai — 7 Highlights You Must See
Discover the viral moment when Rahul Gandhi jumped into a pond to catch fish in Bihar’s Begusarai
The leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, jumped into a pond with local fishermen on the campaign trail in Bihar’s Begusarai on Sunday. The Congress leader participated in a traditional fishing process in the area.
A video of Gandhi’s fishing expedition surfaced online, showing the Rae Bareli MP clad in his trademark white t-shirt and black pants pulling a blue net out of the water alongside several locals.
Those present continuously raised the slogans of “Rahul Gandhi zindabad” while the fishing expedition went on.
Apart from Rahul Gandhi, several leaders from the Mahagathbandhan alliance, including the Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) chief and the alliance’s deputy CM face Mukesh Sahani, were also present. Sahani is from the fishing community.
Congress leader Kanhaiya Kumar also accompanied Gandhi in his native Begusarai. He also jumped into the water and helped pull the net out, revealing the catch.
The Bihar assembly elections are scheduled in two phases on November 6 and 11. The results will be declared on November 14.
Rahul Gandhi on Sunday alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was not only “scared” of US President Donald Trump, but was also “remote controlled” by big business.
“Having a huge chest does not make you strong. Just look at Mahatma Gandhi, who had a frail build but took on the British, who were the superpowers of the time,” PTI quoted him as saying in a rally.
“On the other hand, we have Narendra Modi with his boast of a 56-inch chest, who got a panic attack when Trump called him during Operation Sindoor, and the military conflict with Pakistan ended in two days. He is not just scared of Trump, but is also being remote-controlled by Ambani and Adani,” he alleged.
The Congress leader said that in 1971, then PM Indira Gandhi was threatened by the US, but she didn’t get “scared and did what needed to be done”.
“But when Trump told Modi to stop Operation Sindoor, he halted it,” he claimed.
Gandhi claimed that all the major decisions of the Modi government, like GST and demonetisation, were “aimed at destroying small businesses and benefiting the big ones”.
On 2 November 2025, amidst the heat of the upcoming Assembly elections in Bihar, Rahul Gandhi created a memorable moment. After addressing a rally in Begusarai, he didn’t retire to the stage or the car — instead, he stepped away and waded straight into a village pond. There, alongside local fishermen and his ally, Mukesh Sahani of the Vikassheel Insan Party, he joined them in one of their traditional practices: catching fish with nets.
In the middle of the pond, after taking a boat ride from the bank, Mr Gandhi donned his usual white T-shirt and cargo pants. The nets were cast; the water was chest-deep for many present. He immersed himself in the activity, greeted by cries of “Rahul Gandhi Zindabad” from the locals.
His team later shared a video highlighting the rawness of the scene — the muddy water, the natural pond, no gloss, no filter. “This is a real pond,” read the caption from the Congress social media handle.
Connecting with grassroots communities: Mr Gandhi reached out to the fisherfolk in Begusarai, a district with strong riverine livelihoods and a significant Mallah/Nishad community.
Highlighting labour & dignity: After the pond activity, he addressed the rally emphasising that “fishermen, labourers, farmers” who earn by their sweat must feel that he is with them.
Contrast with opponent rhetoric: He has criticised the Prime Minister’s style of public gestures, arguing they become “vote-for-dramas”. By diving into the pond himself, he tried to flip that narrative.
Election strategy: With the Bihar Assembly elections imminent (scheduled for 6 Nov and 11 Nov in two phases), this act aimed at showcasing his alliance’s (the INDIA bloc) outreach to rural and backward segments.
Some on X (formerly Twitter) applauded the genuineness: “Rahul Gandhi has set a new task benchmark for Narendra Modi in Bihar.”
Others mocked the moment: “Always a fish out of water. Land, or water.”
Several turned it into political ammunition: comparisons with the cleanliness of ponds, with muddy water vs. sanitized imagery, etc.
Authenticity counts: By stepping into the pond, Gandhi attempted to leave the scripted stage and engage visibly with local everyday life.
Symbolism in action: The act of catching fish is deeply tied to livelihoods; for many in that region, it’s symbolic of survival, tradition, and identity.
Election messaging: The timing — with elections near — suggests this was not merely a photo-op, but a calculated message: “We stand with you.”
Media and optics: In today’s media-driven politics, image matters as much as words. Whether one approves or disapproves, Gandhi ensured he made the headlines in a distinctive way.
Vote and caste dynamics: Begusarai and its communities (Mallah/Nishad) form an important electoral bloc. This interaction signals that the Congress-alliance is making serious inroads.
Stunt vs substance: Some critics may label this as political theatre — the question remains whether the gesture will translate into long-term policy or just optics.
Safety and optics: Jumping into a muddy pond with media cameras around has shades of spectacle. The message might backfire if seen as gimmicky.
Follow-through needed: The real test will be whether the promised attention to fishermen and rural workers is followed by action — insurance schemes, flood protection, better infrastructure, market access were among the points mentioned by Gandhi.
“Earlier, I went to catch fish with Sahni ji. Why? Because I want all farmers, fishermen, labourers and other such people who earn their living by the sweat of their brow, to feel that Rahul Gandhi is with them.” — Rahul Gandhi, after the pond-activity.
