Politics in Bihar has heated up over the birthplace of Mata Sita located at Punaura Dham. Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai directly targeted Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav. He said that Mata Janaki is a symbol of sacrifice and affection and it is unfortunate to oppose a grand temple at her birthplace. Nityanand Rai took a dig at Rahul Gandhi and said that I feel pity on Rahul Gandhi's intelligence. A grand temple of Mata Janaki is being built at Punaura Dham at a cost of about Rs 1000 crore. The Union Home Minister and the Chief Minister have laid its foundation stone, then why do Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav object to it? Mata Sita is a symbol of pride and affection.

He further alleged that Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav constantly insult Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Insulting the Prime Minister is insulting the poor and the self-respect of the country. Reacting to Rahul Gandhi's recent statement on how BJP will rule for 50 years, Nityanand Rai accused Congress of vote theft. He said that in 1952, Congress had stolen 78 thousand votes to prevent Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar from reaching Parliament.