The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced nationwide protests on Monday, October 26, against Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge over his controversial remark about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s late father. The announcement has intensified the political confrontation between the BJP and Congress, with both parties exchanging sharp accusations amid the ongoing dispute over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
The controversy erupted on Sunday when Kharge made the remark “Modi ka baap bhi jayega” during an event in Patna, Bihar, organised to mark the 139th birth anniversary of the state’s first chief minister, Shrikrishna Singh. The comment triggered strong reactions from BJP leaders, who demanded an apology from the Congress president.
BJP Calls for Nationwide Demonstrations
The BJP said demonstrations would be organised at party headquarters across the country to condemn what it described as insulting and offensive remarks about the prime minister’s late father. The party has demanded an unconditional apology from Kharge and the Congress leadership.
BJP leaders have argued that political disagreements should not lead to personal remarks involving family members. The protests are intended to publicly register the party’s objection to Kharge’s statement and put pressure on the Congress leadership to respond.
In Delhi, BJP leaders announced a demonstration near Vijay Chowk at 12.15 pm. Similar protests were expected at state headquarters as the party sought to expand its response beyond the immediate political exchange.
The announcement comes at a time when the BJP and Congress are already engaged in a heated dispute over electoral reforms, the Election Commission and allegations surrounding voter-list revisions.
How Kharge’s Remark Triggered the Political Row
Kharge made the controversial statement while addressing a gathering in Patna. During his speech, the Congress president criticised alleged irregularities in the SIR exercise and said that those responsible would face legal consequences if his party came to power.
An audience member interrupted him, saying that Prime Minister Modi would not leave office unless there was a rebellion. Kharge responded with the remark that subsequently became the centre of the political controversy.
The audience member later identified himself as Santhosh Kumar, a Congress worker from Chhapra. He told reporters that his intervention had been misunderstood and clarified what he intended to convey.
The exchange quickly escalated into a political dispute, with BJP leaders accusing Kharge of crossing the boundaries of acceptable political discourse. The Congress, meanwhile, has defended its president amid the criticism.
Amit Shah, BJP Leaders Demand an Apology
Union Home Minister Amit Shah strongly criticised Kharge’s statement, accusing the Congress president of violating standards of political decorum. Shah argued that political leaders should maintain restraint while criticising their opponents.
BJP national spokesperson CR Kesavan also condemned the remarks and demanded an unconditional apology from Kharge and the Congress leadership. He alleged that the statement reflected a pattern of personal attacks against the prime minister.
Other BJP leaders and members of its political allies also criticised Kharge’s language. The party has presented the controversy as an issue of political conduct and public accountability.
The Congress has faced mounting pressure from the BJP to issue a formal apology, while the dispute has added to the increasingly confrontational exchanges between the two major national parties.
INDIA Bloc Plans Protest Against Chief Election Commissioner
The controversy over Kharge’s remarks is unfolding alongside the opposition’s campaign against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the SIR exercise.
The INDIA bloc has planned a symbolic “public impeachment” programme targeting Kumar on October 30, followed by a march to Ramlila Maidan in Delhi on November 1.
Opposition parties have alleged irregularities in the revision of electoral rolls and demanded greater accountability from the Election Commission of India. They have also raised concerns about the potential deletion of eligible voters from electoral lists.
The Election Commission and the BJP have rejected allegations of wrongdoing associated with the revision exercise. The competing positions have made electoral transparency a major point of political contention.
Congress leaders have been holding organisational meetings to mobilise party workers for the proposed November rally. The opposition hopes to use the demonstration to bring together its supporters around demands concerning voting rights and the functioning of democratic institutions.
Anti-SIR Protest Groups Signal Further Action
Other groups involved in demonstrations against the Election Commission have also indicated that their campaigns may continue.
Also Read | PM Modi At Chinmaya Amrit Mahotsav: “We Must Unite Every Indian For Viksit Bharat 2047”
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), whose protests have led to confrontations with Delhi Police, has signalled that it will announce its next course of action. Its co-conveners, Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das, have reiterated their demand for Kumar’s resignation.
Separately, All India Students’ Association president Neha Bora has opposed a police notice requiring her to execute a personal bond with surety to maintain peace. The Delhi High Court dismissed a petition challenging the notice, according to published reports.
These developments highlight the wider dispute over electoral reforms, protest rights and institutional accountability.
Political Tensions Rise Ahead of Further Protests
The BJP’s nationwide protest announcement marks another escalation in its confrontation with Congress over Kharge’s remarks. At the same time, the opposition’s planned demonstrations against the Chief Election Commissioner indicate that the controversy surrounding the SIR exercise will remain an important political issue.
While the BJP is demanding an apology over the language used by Kharge, opposition parties continue to press their allegations concerning electoral-roll revisions and the Election Commission’s accountability.
With protests planned on multiple fronts, the coming days are likely to see further exchanges between the ruling party and opposition leaders. The developments underscore the widening political divide over both public discourse and the conduct of electoral processes in India.
Click here to join our WhatsApp Channel for real-time news updates and exclusive coverage.
