RJD attacks Samrat over ‘green gamchha’ remark

Patna: The RJD on Saturday criticised CM Samrat Choudhary over his remark that AI-enabled cameras could identify people wearing a “hara gamchha”.

The comment was widely seen as an indirect political swipe at the RJD, whose members and supporters are often associated with green gamchhas. The opposition party said such remarks were inappropriate from the dais of an official programme and risked sending a divisive political message.

RJD national spokesperson Manoj Jha said the CM’s statement could not be dismissed as harmless satire or casual political humour. He said in Bihar’s politically sensitive atmosphere, references to a gamchha of a particular colour amounted to “dog-whistle politics” directed at an opposition party with significant public support.

Jha said such language weakened democratic values and legitimised hostility towards political rivals. He added Bihar’s people were seeking employment, educational opportunities, better healthcare, industrial growth and good governance, not political messaging that deepens social and political divisions.

The RJD leader said public discourse should focus on the future of the state rather than remarks that create confrontation and fear.

The controversy has triggered a wider political debate with the CM’s comment drawing sharp reactions from the opposition.