A political firestorm has erupted across India following Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge's controversial remark aimed at a heckler during an event in Patna on October 25. Kharge's retort, 'Modi ka baap bhi jayega' (Even Modi's father will have to go), made in response to a supporter of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has drawn strong condemnation from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has called for nationwide protests.
The Incident in Patna
The incident occurred at Bapu Sabhagar in Patna during the 139th birth anniversary celebration of Bihar’s first chief minister, Shri Krishna Singh. As Kharge addressed the gathering, a man in the audience shouted, 'Modi nahin jayega' (Modi will not go). Kharge's immediate and sharp response was captured on video and quickly went viral across social media platforms, intensifying the political discourse.
Organisers and Congress workers reportedly removed the man from the venue, with some unconfirmed reports suggesting he was assaulted. The exact circumstances of his removal remain unclear.
BJP Condemns Remark, Announces Protests
The BJP swiftly denounced Kharge's comment, calling it 'indecent and offensive' and criticizing the targeting of the Prime Minister and his late father. In response, the party announced demonstrations across state and district headquarters throughout India on October 26, demanding an apology from the Congress leadership.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah strongly criticized Kharge, stating that the Congress chief had 'torn apart all norms of decorum.' In a post on X, Shah accused the Congress of a pattern of using abusive language against PM Modi and his family, referencing past remarks about his mother, 'merchant of death,' and 'chaiwala' comments. A complaint was also filed against Kharge at Patna’s Kotwali police station over the alleged derogatory remark.
Congress Defends Kharge Amidst Broader Criticisms
The Congress party defended Kharge, asserting that his response was provoked by repeated interruptions from the audience. They argued that his larger address focused on alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and threats to voting rights, framing the episode as part of their broader campaign for electoral transparency and constitutional protections.
During his speech, Kharge also criticized the Prime Minister over unfulfilled promises, such as bringing back black money, and stated that peace would remain elusive in the country as long as the RSS ideology persisted. He demanded an immediate halt to the SIR exercise, advocating for ballot papers in future elections, and described opposition to the SIR as a 'second war for independence.'