Patna: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge triggered a political controversy on Sunday, October 25, after making a controversial remark about Prime Minister Narendra Modi during an event in Bihar's Patna.
The incident took place at a programme organised to mark the birth anniversary of Shri Krishna Singh, Bihar's first chief minister.
During his address, Kharge spoke about alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process and said those responsible would be sent to jail. In response, a person from the audience reportedly remarked that Modi would not leave office as long as there was no rebellion.
Kharge responded with the phrase “Modi ka baap bhi jayega,” which was widely criticised by BJP leaders as an objectionable personal remark against the prime minister.
BJP leaders condemn Kharge's comments
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) strongly criticised Kharge's remarks, accusing the Congress president of crossing political and parliamentary boundaries.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah said in a post on X that Kharge had crossed the limits of decorum with his comment about the prime minister's father. Shah also accused the Congress of being politically frustrated following repeated electoral defeats.
BJP president Nitin Nabin also criticised the remarks, describing them as indecent and unparliamentary. He said the public was closely observing the political exchanges and would respond in due course.
Bihar BJP leaders react
Bihar BJP president Sanjay Saraogi described Kharge's comments as unfortunate and alleged that they reflected a lack of political decorum within the Congress.
Saraogi also accused the opposition party of repeatedly targeting Modi personally, arguing that such remarks showed disrespect towards the prime minister and the electoral mandate.
The BJP's criticism added to the political dispute surrounding Kharge's statement, with party leaders questioning the tone of the Congress president's remarks at the Patna event.
Controversy over political rhetoric
The incident has renewed debate over the language used by political leaders during public speeches and campaign-related exchanges.
While Kharge's remarks drew sharp condemnation from the BJP and National Democratic Alliance (NDA) leaders in Bihar, the immediate controversy centred on the wording of his response to the audience member.
The episode is likely to intensify the ongoing political confrontation between the Congress and the BJP over electoral issues and public discourse.
