During the 2025 Bihar election rallies, Prime Minister Narendra Modi used the term ‘katta culture’several times, drawing attention to the alleged rise of country-made pistols in the state. He claimed that criminals were using these weapons to threaten people and that the opposition parties were somehow promoting this culture. Modi even suggested that in political meetings, guns were used to influence decisions.
This rhetoric, while dramatic, has sparked a debate about how politicians use violent imagery to connect with voters. ‘Katta culture’ became more than just a phrase; it symbolized lawlessness, fear, and the failure of governance in certain areas, according to the PM’s narrative.
Critics argue that such statements can be misleading. While Bihar has faced crime-related challenges, many incidents occurred under the current NDA government as well, not just in the past. Moreover, opposition leaders like Tejashwi Yadav pointed out that dramatizing crime stories during rallies can distract from real governance issues, like healthcare, education, and development.
Using guns or violent imagery in speeches also raises ethical questions. Does this kind of rhetoric help voters understand policy, or does it simply create fear and sensationalism? Political analysts believe that terms like “katta culture” are designed to stick in people’s minds, but they may not reflect the complete reality on the ground.
Beyond the rhetoric, the speeches show how election campaigns increasingly rely on emotional and fear-based appeals. References to weapons, crime, and lawlessness are intended to create a sense of urgency, nudging voters to feel that one party is the only safeguard against disorder. This method taps into deep-seated anxieties, but it also shifts attention away from tangible solutions and developmental policies that affect everyday life.
Furthermore, the ‘katta culture’ narrative reflects a broader trend in Indian politics, where symbolism often overshadows facts. Country-made pistols exist, but their actual impact on state politics and voter safety is complex. By simplifying the issue into a dramatic slogan, political leaders create a narrative that is easier to communicate during rallies, yet may oversimplify the real challenges of law enforcement and community safety in Bihar.
‘Katta culture’ debate highlights a larger issue: the intersection of politics, crime, and public perception. Voters are left to decide whether such dramatic language informs them or distracts them from the issues that truly impact their lives.
Subscribe Deshwale on YouTube
