Bengaluru: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) staged a protest at Freedom Park in Bengaluru on Monday, October 26, over Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s remarks about Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanding an apology and accusing him of violating political decorum.
The protest escalated when BJP leaders and workers attempted to march towards Vidhana Soudha. Police personnel blocked their route with barricades, prompting some protesters to attempt to climb over them.
Police detained Leader of Opposition R Ashoka, MLC Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, MLAs N Ravikumar, CK Ramamurthy and Dr CN Ashwath Narayan, along with several party workers.
BJP Demands Apology From Kharge
Protesters raised slogans against Kharge and demanded that he apologise to the Prime Minister and the people of India. The BJP alleged that the remarks were inappropriate for the head of a national political party.
Speaking at the demonstration, Ashoka criticised Kharge’s choice of words and accused him of resorting to personal attacks. He also said the conduct of Mallikarjun Kharge and Priyank Kharge could harm the Congress, questioning whether such language was acceptable in public life.
Kumaraswamy Condemns Remarks
Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy also criticised Kharge’s comments, describing them as derogatory and contrary to political norms.
Kumaraswamy alleged that remarks targeting the Prime Minister’s father crossed acceptable boundaries. He said Kharge’s long political career and seniority should have encouraged greater responsibility in public statements.
He further accused the Congress president of poor judgement and criticised what he described as declining standards of political discourse.
Political Tensions Between BJP and Congress Intensify
The BJP maintained that political criticism should focus on government policies and performance rather than personal remarks about leaders and their families. The party reiterated its demand for an apology from Kharge.
The protest and detention of BJP leaders reflect the escalating political confrontation between the BJP and Congress over the Prime Minister-related remarks.
