Kharge's ‘Modi ka baap’ remark sparks row at Patna event

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday triggered a political controversy after responding sharply to an audience member's remark about Prime Minister Narendra Modi during an event in Patna, while also questioning the government's promise to bring back black money.

The incident occurred during the 139th birth anniversary celebration of Bihar's first Chief Minister, Dr Shri Krishna Singh, when a person in the audience reportedly said that Modi would not go anywhere.

Kharge responded, "Modi ka baap bhi jayega," triggering a commotion at the venue. The remark subsequently drew criticism from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders, who accused the Congress president of using inappropriate language against the Prime Minister's family.

The audience member, identified as Santosh Kumar, later claimed that his statement had been misunderstood. He said he had intended to convey that Modi would not leave without a revolt, but only part of his remark was heard. Reports also said the man was assaulted by some attendees before being removed from the venue.

𝗤𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗯𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗶𝘀𝗲

During his address, Kharge launched an attack on the Prime Minister, accusing him of failing to fulfil promises made before coming to power.

"PM Modi has a habit of telling lies. He had said that he would bring back black money in his first 100 days. I want to ask, where is that money?" Kharge said.

The Congress chief also criticised the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), alleging that its ideology contributed to communal divisions.

He claimed that the organisation had engaged in communal activities since its inception and called for an end to its ideological influence.

"Therefore, as long as the ideology of the RSS persists in this country, there will be no peace," Kharge said.

𝗧𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗡𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗞𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗿

Kharge also criticised Janata Dal (United) leader Nitish Kumar for aligning with the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance despite his political roots in the socialist movement.

He said Kumar's decision to join hands with the BJP and RSS represented a departure from the ideology with which he had entered politics.

The Congress president accused the BJP and RSS of holding views contrary to constitutional principles, particularly concerning social equality and untouchability.

𝗥𝗮𝗶𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗛𝗮𝗹𝗱𝘄𝗮𝗻𝗶 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁

Referring to an incident in Uttarakhand's Haldwani, Kharge condemned a purification ritual reportedly performed at a stage near a temple following a Congress rally on August 8.

He questioned how the country could achieve unity if practices associated with untouchability continued decades after Independence.

The ritual, described as shuddhikaran, had reportedly been conducted by members of a right-wing group after the Congress programme at Ramlila Ground.

Kharge cited the incident while accusing the BJP and RSS of undermining constitutional values and social equality.

𝗕𝗝𝗣 𝗵𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸

Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticised Kharge's remarks, accusing the Congress of crossing the limits of political decorum by referring to the Prime Minister's father.

Shah alleged that Congress leaders had repeatedly made objectionable remarks about Modi and his family, attributing the latest controversy to frustration within the opposition party.

BJP president Nitin Nabin also condemned Kharge's language, describing it as inappropriate and unparliamentary.

The exchange added to the political confrontation between the Congress and BJP, with Kharge's remarks drawing attention alongside his criticism of the government's economic promises, RSS ideology and constitutional issues.