Kharge's remark on PM Modi's father snowballs into major political row; BJP holds protests across country
BJP launched intense nationwide demonstrations across Gujarat, Assam, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, with senior leaders demanding an unconditional apology
A major political confrontation erupted after Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge made controversial remarks about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's late father during a public event in Patna. The statement triggered widespread protests by BJP workers across several states, with leaders demanding an unconditional apology from the opposition
A major political confrontation erupted after Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge made controversial remarks about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's late father during a public event in Patna. The statement triggered widespread protests by BJP workers across several states, with leaders demanding an unconditional apology from the opposition
A major political confrontation erupted after Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge made controversial remarks about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's late father during a public event in Patna. The statement triggered widespread protests by BJP workers across several states, with leaders demanding an unconditional apology from the opposition
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge's recent remarks about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's late father have snowballed into a major political confrontation, triggering BJP protests across several states, widespread condemnation from senior leaders and demands for an unconditional apology.
The controversy began on Sunday during an event in Patna to mark the 139th birth anniversary of Bihar's first chief minister, Shrikrishna Singh. Reacting to an audience member who shouted that Modi would not go anywhere, Kharge said, "Modi ka baap bhi jayega" (even Modi's father will go).
The remark sparked an immediate backlash from the BJP, which accused the Congress president of insulting the prime minister's deceased father.
On Monday, the controversy spilled onto the streets, as BJP workers organised demonstrations in Gujarat, Assam, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and various other parts of the country.
In Gujarat, BJP workers staged a protest in Gandhinagar, marching from 'Gh' Circle towards the Congress office in Sector 22 before police stopped them midway.
BJP MLA Alpesh Thakor demanded an apology from Kharge, saying such language was unbecoming of a veteran politician. Gujarat BJP vice-president Bharat Pandya accused the Congress of crossing every limit, while MP Hasmukh Patel claimed the party had lost its composure.
In Assam, BJP workers demonstrated in Guwahati, condemning Kharge's remarks.
Tensions escalated in Shimla in Himachal Pradesh, where a scuffle broke out between BJP workers and police after protesters attempted to burn an effigy of the Congress president. The demonstration, led by BJP state general secretary and Rajya Sabha MP Sikander Kumar at CTO Chowk, saw workers raising slogans and demanding a public apology for the remarks concerning Modi's deceased parents.
In Rajasthan, where BJP workers from the party's Yuva Morcha, Mahila Morcha and SC Morcha marched towards the Congress office, there were similar scenes. Police stopped the protesters at Chomu House Circle using barricades.
In Lucknow, protesters marched from the statue of former Uttar Pradesh governor Lalji Tandon towards Hazratganj crossing, carrying placards demanding an apology from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.
Meanwhile, an array of leaders from the BJP, including chief ministers, continued to criticise the Congress leader over his remarks.
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha demanded that Kharge tender an unconditional apology to the nation, claiming that the Congress leader’s remarks about Modi's late father as "unforgivable and utterly condemnable".
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde called the statement highly unfortunate and condemned it, while Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma criticised Kharge and accused him of disrespecting Indian culture.
Rajasthan BJP president Madan Rathore said such language was unacceptable from the president of a national political party and warned that people would not tolerate it.
BJP national president Nitin Nabin also intensified his attack, alleging that offensive language had become a hallmark of the Congress. He claimed voters had punished the party for insulting Modi in the past and would do so again.
Amid mounting demands for an apology, senior Congress leader and former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot defended Kharge, arguing that his words were being deliberately misinterpreted.
Gehlot said the Congress president had no intention of personally insulting Modi or his family.
"Kharge never intended to personally insult anyone. He is one of India's most experienced politicians and understands the dignity of the office of the Prime Minister," Gehlot wrote on X.
He maintained that expressions such as "Nani yaad dila dena" and "Baap ki jagir samajhna" were common Hindi idioms and should not automatically be interpreted as personal attacks.
Gehlot accused the BJP of creating an unnecessary controversy over a colloquial expression, even as party workers continued demonstrations demanding an apology from Kharge and the Congress leadership.