The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced nationwide demonstrations on Monday against remarks made by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's late father, escalating the political confrontation between the two parties.
In a statement, the BJP described Kharge's comments as “insulting, indecent and offensive” and said protests would be held at all its state headquarters across the country. The party accused the Congress president of making a personal attack on the Prime Minister's family rather than criticising the government's policies or performance.
The controversy erupted after Kharge made the remarks at an event in Patna on Sunday. He was addressing a gathering marking the 139th birth anniversary of Bihar's first chief minister, Shrikrishna Singh, when an audience member interrupted him by saying that Modi would not leave power.
Kharge responded, “Modi ka baap bhi jayega” (Even Modi's father will have to go), triggering a backlash from the BJP.
BJP demands apology, calls remarks unacceptable
The BJP has directed its state units to organise demonstrations at their respective party offices, with leaders and workers expected to participate in large numbers.
Party leaders said Kharge's remarks crossed the boundaries of political discourse and amounted to an inappropriate personal attack. They argued that referring to the family members of political leaders, particularly those who have died, was unacceptable in public debate.
The BJP said the protests would convey its opposition to such language and reinforce the need for decency and mutual respect in democratic politics.
Senior party leaders have also demanded an unconditional apology from Kharge, maintaining that political differences should not be used to justify personal insults.
The party's announcement signals a coordinated nationwide response to the controversy, with demonstrations planned across its state headquarters on Monday.
Remarks made during event in Patna
Kharge's comments came during an address in which he criticised the BJP and the Election Commission of India over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
The Congress president had accused those allegedly involved in manipulating voter lists of undermining democracy and said they would face legal consequences. His remarks about Modi's father followed an interruption from the audience.
The exchange quickly became a political controversy, with BJP leaders accusing Kharge of using objectionable language against the Prime Minister and his family.
The BJP has maintained that criticism of a political opponent should focus on governance and policy rather than personal matters.
Political tensions between BJP and Congress intensify
The Congress has not issued an immediate clarification on the controversy in the supplied account, while the BJP has pressed ahead with plans for nationwide demonstrations.
The row comes amid an already heated political confrontation between the two parties over the SIR exercise and allegations of electoral irregularities. The Congress has accused the Election Commission of facilitating wrongful voter deletions, while the BJP has rejected the Opposition's allegations.
The BJP's nationwide protest call is expected to intensify the political exchange between the two parties in the coming days. Attention will be on the scale of Monday's demonstrations and whether the controversy prompts a further response from the Congress leadership.