New Delhi: A political controversy has intensified following Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge’s remarks regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s late father. Leaders from various political parties—spanning from Maharashtra to Bihar and Delhi—have weighed in on the statement. BJP leaders have termed Kharge’s comments inappropriate, accusing the Congress of diverting attention from public issues, while Congress and opposition leaders have dismissed the controversy as unnecessary, framing the remarks as part of standard political rhetoric.
Among those who shared their views on the matter were Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, BJP leader K. Laxman, Minister Nitesh Rane, Congress leader Vijay Namdevrao Wadettiwar, RJD MLA Bhai Virendra, and Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant.
In Nashik, Maharashtra, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde strongly condemned Kharge’s remarks, stating that speaking about someone’s parents in such a manner is highly unfortunate. Targeting the opposition, Shinde remarked that they lack any substantive work. Highlighting Prime Minister Modi’s work ethic, he noted that the Prime Minister prioritizes the nation over his own personal comfort—never taking a single day off—and is driving the country forward through relentless work. He suggested that the opposition is envious of the Prime Minister’s achievements, which is why such comments are being made.
In Delhi, BJP leader K. Laxman also issued a sharp condemnation of the Congress President’s remarks. He stated that the BJP denounces the comments made by Mallikarjun Kharge regarding the Prime Minister’s father. Given that Kharge is a senior Congress leader and the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, such remarks are entirely inappropriate. He added that the Congress party lacks a focus on issues relevant to the public and possesses no concrete agenda.
In Sindhudurg, Maharashtra, Minister Nitesh Rane described Kharge’s statement as an example of the Congress party’s poor mindset. He stated that such remarks reveal the depths to which the Congress party has stooped. Insulting comments have been made regarding Prime Minister Modi’s mother and father. This incident has exposed the true nature of the Congress. He also employed sharp and objectionable language in reference to Congress leaders.
In Nagpur, Congress leader Vijay Namdevrao Wadettiwar defended Kharge’s remarks. He pointed out that many leaders in the country—including those from the BJP—have insulted women in the past, yet the BJP did not react in this manner on those occasions. Wadettiwar argued that not every statement made during a political speech can be classified as an insult or an abuse. He added that Kharge made no comments regarding anyone’s character. By stoking controversy over such matters, the BJP attempts to divert public attention away from core issues.
In Patna, the capital of Bihar, RJD MLA Bhai Virendra defended Kharge, noting that he is one of the country’s senior-most leaders and the national president of the Congress. He asserted that Kharge had no intention of insulting anyone or speaking against any family. Describing it as a mere slip of the tongue, Bhai Virendra suggested that the incident should not be given undue importance. He emphasized that the opposition has the right to speak against the government and will continue to criticize its policies.
In Mumbai, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant remarked that it is characteristic of the BJP to manufacture controversies out of such comments. He questioned what exactly Kharge had said that was so wrong as to warrant such an uproar. Describing Kharge as a senior leader, Sawant noted that such remarks are often made in the course of political discourse.
Furthermore, Sawant raised the issue concerning the denial of permission for a protest at Jantar Mantar, as well as an alleged assault on a woman. He claimed that permission for the protest had not been granted until the Supreme Court intervened. She alleged that during the protest, a man from Haryana—who is reportedly linked to the BJP—assaulted a woman. Sawant questioned why the BJP remains silent in such cases.
