India, Nov. 4 -- At a time when politicians should be focusing on employment, migration, development, and law and order, building narratives around personal insults and the "katta" in Bihar 2025 appears to be a strategic diversion from larger issues. Ahead of the first phase of elections on November 6, by highlighting 'katta', Prime Minister Narendra Modi has tried to shift attention and public debate toward emotions and issues other than critical concerns, say critics.

On Monday, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge and party MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra hit back at Modi over his "katta" remark. Addressing a public rally, Kharge questioned Modi's claim that the RJD forced the Congress to concede the chief minister's post in the INDIA bloc, ask...