BJP protested nationwide, demanding Kharge apologise for his controversial remarks about PM Modi
NEW DELHI: BJP workers on Monday staged protests in Bihar, Jammu and Bengaluru against Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge's controversial 'baap' remark against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanding an apology from the Congress chief.The protests came a day after Kharge, speaking at an event in Patna, responded to a person from the audience who said that PM Modi would not go anywhere. "Modi ka baap bhi jayega (Even Modi's father will have to go)," Kharge said, triggering criticism from BJP leaders.
The remark was made during a programme marking the 139th birth anniversary of Bihar's first chief minister, Shrikrishna Singh.
BJP leaders detained during Bengaluru protest
In Bengaluru, BJP leaders and workers staged a demonstration at Freedom Park, demanding an unconditional apology from Kharge over his remarks.
Police detained several BJP leaders, including Karnataka assembly leader of opposition R Ashoka and former minister CN Ashwath Narayan, during the protest.BJP leaders accused the Congress president of making offensive remarks against the Prime Minister and his family.
BJP workers burn Kharge's effigy in Patna
In Patna, BJP workers took out a 'Jan Akrosh March' under the leadership of Bihar BJP president Sanjay Saraogi.The protesters marched from the party headquarters towards Income Tax Golambar, raising slogans against Kharge and the Congress.
They also burnt an effigy of the Congress president."Yesterday, all limits were crossed when the platform to celebrate the birth anniversary of Shrikrishna Singh, the architect of modern Bihar, was used to make abusive remarks about the late father of the Prime Minister," Saraogi said.He accused the Congress of making personal attacks against Modi out of political frustration and demanded an apology from Kharge and Rahul Gandhi."The Congress, Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi must apologise to the people of the country," he said.
Protests in Jammu, other districts
In Jammu, BJP leaders and workers staged a protest at Dogra Chowk, raising slogans against Kharge and the Congress. Led by BJP MLA Shagun Parihar and Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha's Jammu and Kashmir president Arun Prabhat, the protesters marched through Dogra Chowk, burnt posters of Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, and staged a brief sit-in on the road.Parihar condemned the remarks, saying they were disrespectful not only to the Prime Minister's late father but also to elderly people who had passed away."If they do not respect the prime minister's father, how will they respect the father of an ordinary citizen?" she asked. Protests were also reported from Samba, Kathua, Poonch, Udhampur, Rajouri, Doda, Kishtwar and Reasi districts. Similar demonstrations were held in Delhi and Lucknow as part of the BJP's nationwide protest against Kharge's remarks.
Congress defends Kharge's remarks
Meanwhile, the Congress defended its president, claiming that a BJP supporter had first insulted Kharge's father during the Patna event. Congress leader Pawan Khera said Kharge was referring to the RSS as PM Modi's "ideological father", rather than his biological father. RJD leader Bhai Virendra also defended Kharge, describing his remarks as a "slip of the tongue" and saying he did not need to apologise.
However, RJD MP Manoj Jha said such conduct was not expected from a senior leader like Kharge, while questioning what he described as selective outrage over remarks made by political leaders.
Union home minister Amit Shah also criticised Kharge, accusing the Congress of repeatedly crossing the limits of political decorum by targeting PM Modi and his family.
Defence minister Rajnath Singh slammed Congress president
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday slammed Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge over his controversial remark about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s late father, saying the statement had left him shocked and hurt. He also criticised the Congress for defending Kharge’s comments instead of expressing regret over the controversy.