The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) staged protests across the country on Monday, demanding an apology and resignation from Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge over his controversial remarks about Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The controversy has triggered a fresh political confrontation between the BJP and Congress, with leaders from both parties trading accusations.
The row began on Sunday during an event in Patna, Bihar, where Kharge made a remark containing the phrase “Modi ka baap bhi jayega” while responding to an audience member who had reportedly said that the Prime Minister would not go anywhere. The BJP described the comment as offensive and disrespectful, particularly because it referred to the Prime Minister's late father.
BJP Leaders Condemn Kharge's Remarks
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed shock and disappointment over the statement, questioning how the national president of a major political party could make such a remark. He also criticised Congress for defending Kharge instead of acknowledging the controversy and expressing regret.
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi also attacked the Congress leadership, accusing the party of lowering political standards. Taking a swipe at Rahul Gandhi, Joshi said the BJP had long criticised his maturity and suggested that other Congress leaders were now displaying similar behaviour.
The BJP organised demonstrations at party offices and public locations across several states. In Bihar, party leaders and workers marched through the streets, raised slogans against Kharge and burned an effigy of the Congress president. Similar protests were reported in Jammu, while demonstrations were also planned in major cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Ranchi, Kolkata and Bengaluru.
Congress Hits Back at BJP
Congress leaders rejected the BJP's criticism, accusing the ruling party of selectively expressing outrage over political remarks. Priyank Kharge, Karnataka minister and son of the Congress president, said the BJP frequently turned minor controversies into major political issues. He also argued that Congress leaders had faced derogatory comments from BJP leaders in the past.
Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MP Manoj Jha acknowledged that Kharge's remarks were not expected from a senior political leader. However, he questioned why similar outrage had not been expressed when opposition leaders were allegedly subjected to personal attacks.
The controversy has once again brought the tone of political discourse into focus, with both sides accusing the other of undermining public debate through personal remarks.
The BJP has continued to demand an apology from Kharge, while Congress leaders have defended their position and challenged the ruling party's response. The dispute is expected to remain a point of confrontation between the two parties in the coming days.
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