KKN Gurugram Desk | attack in Jammu and Kashmir on 22 April 2025 has sparked widespread outrage across India.
While the majority of the population has condemned the attack and called for strict action against Pakistan, some voices have directed their criticism towards the Indian government itself.

Among the notable critics is Neha Singh Rathore, a popular Bhojpuri folk singer known for her political commentary through songs and videos.
Neha has alleged that the Modi government will use the Pahalgam attack for political gains in the upcoming Bihar Assembly Elections.

Her comments have stirred controversy, especially after her video was shared on a Pakistani social media platform, further complicating the narrative.

Neha Singh Rathore’s Video Goes Viral Across Borders

A clip of Neha Singh Rathore criticizing the Indian government has gone viral, notably being shared by a Pakistani X (formerly Twitter) handle named PTI Promotion.

The post accompanying the video states:

“An Indian girl exposes the truth behind the Pahalgam attack, claiming the Modi government will use it to gain votes in the Bihar elections.”

This international amplification of Neha’s critical video has triggered a fresh wave of political debate in India, with concerns over internal criticisms being exploited by hostile foreign platforms.

Neha Singh Rathore’s Allegations Against the Government

In her video, Neha Singh Rathore makes several bold accusations against the ruling government:

1. Failure to Prevent the Attack:
   She questions how a government that claims to influence international conflicts with a phone call could fail to prevent a terror attack within its own borders.

2. Political Exploitation of National Tragedy:
   Neha alleges that the government will use the Pahalgam attack to emotionally manipulate voters ahead of the Bihar elections.

3. Suppression of Real Issues:
   She argues that essential issues like education, healthcare, and unemployment are sidelined while emotional issues are given prominence.

Quoting her:

“When citizens are killed in a terrorist attack, should we not question the government? Should we not ask why the state failed to protect its people?”

Sharp Criticism of ‘Blind Followers’ and Political Narrative

Neha Singh Rathore did not stop at criticizing the government.
She also targeted what she calls “Andhbhakts” (blind followers), accusing them of ignoring critical issues in favor of emotional and religious narratives.

According to her:

• The national conversation is dominated by Hindu-Muslim debates instead of pressing socio-economic issues.

• Terror attacks and subsequent civilian deaths are politicized rather than addressed seriously.

She said:

“Soon you will see emotional appeals made in Bihar elections, and blind followers will mindlessly share those reels.”

Context: Rising Political Temperatures Ahead of Bihar Elections

Neha’s remarks come at a time when political activities are heating up ahead of the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025.
In past election cycles, emotional and nationalistic issues have been significant factors in influencing voter sentiments.

Her prediction that the Pahalgam incident could be used as an electoral strategy aligns with concerns raised by several political analysts who caution against politicization of security issues.

Reaction on Social Media: Mixed Response

Neha’s video has drawn a mixed reaction across social media platforms:

• Supporters:
  Many users praised her courage to question the government, calling her a voice of dissent in an increasingly polarized environment.

• Critics:
  Others slammed her for allegedly “providing ammunition to India’s enemies” by criticizing the government at a sensitive time.

• Nationalist Concerns:
  Some expressed alarm that her video being shared by Pakistani platforms could undermine India’s image globally.

Overall, the viral nature of the video demonstrates the deep divisions in India’s political discourse.

Pakistan’s Involvement: Why It Raises Concerns

The fact that Neha’s video was shared and promoted by Pakistani accounts is seen by many as a deliberate attempt to exploit India’s internal dissent for propaganda purposes.

Historically, Pakistan has often used internal Indian criticisms to:

• Justify its own narratives at international forums.

• Undermine India’s diplomatic efforts.

• Influence public opinion domestically and internationally.

Thus, the sharing of Neha’s video on a Pakistani platform has added a geopolitical dimension to what was initially a domestic political critique.

Terrorism and Elections: A Sensitive Mix

The intersection of terrorism and electoral politics has always been a sensitive issue in India.
In the past, opposition parties have accused ruling parties of using national security crises for political advantage, while governments have defended their records as being about protecting national interests.

Neha Singh Rathore’s accusation that the Modi government could use the Pahalgam attack to swing Bihar elections taps into this long-standing debate.

However, it also risks trivializing the genuine national anger and mourning over the loss of innocent lives.

Neha Singh Rathore: A Consistent Critic of the Government

This is not the first time Neha Singh Rathore has made headlines for her political statements:

• She previously gained popularity through satirical songs criticizing state governments over mismanagement during the COVID-19 pandemic.

• She is known for speaking on issues like farmers’ protests, caste discrimination, and women’s rights.

Her fearless style of commentary has earned her both loyal followers and bitter detractors.

Freedom of Speech vs National Responsibility: The Larger Debate

Neha’s video once again brings forth the debate around freedom of expression versus national responsibility:

• Should citizens be free to criticize the government, even during national crises?

• Is there a line where criticism starts aiding external enemies?

While freedom of speech is a constitutional right in India, the timing and tone of public criticisms during terror incidents remain highly contentious.

Neha Singh Rathore’s critical video on the Pahalgam terror attack and its subsequent sharing by Pakistani platforms has created yet another political flashpoint ahead of the Bihar elections.

Her allegations about political exploitation of national tragedies resonate with a segment of the population, while others view them as irresponsible and damaging.

As Bihar heads towards elections, and as the nation continues to mourn the victims of Pahalgam, the question remains: