A heated political exchange erupted between the BJP and Congress on Sunday after Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge made a controversial remark about Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a public meeting in Patna. The BJP accused Kharge of crossing the limits of political discourse, while Congress leaders defended him and questioned the ruling party’s objections to personal attacks.

The controversy began at an event marking the 139th birth anniversary of Bihar’s first chief minister, Shrikrishna Singh. While discussing alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, Kharge said those responsible would be sent to jail. When someone in the audience interrupted him, saying Modi would not be removed from power without a rebellion, Kharge responded, “Modi ka baap bhi jayega.”

The BJP announced plans to burn an effigy of Kharge at Patna’s Income Tax Circle on Monday morning, escalating its protest over the comment.

Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh Lead BJP Attack

Union Home Minister Amit Shah accused Kharge of disregarding political propriety by referring to the Prime Minister’s late father. Shah alleged that Congress leaders had repeatedly targeted Modi and his family, citing earlier controversies involving remarks about his mother, his humble background and the “merchant of death” jibe.

Shah blamed Rahul Gandhi’s leadership for what he described as the Congress’s reliance on personal attacks instead of substantive political issues.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also condemned Kharge’s words, saying criticism of government policies was legitimate but should not extend to deceased family members. He accused the Congress of allowing political debate to deteriorate into personal insults.

BJP president Nitin Nabin called the episode a sign of the Congress’s ideological decline, while Union minister JP Nadda alleged that the opposition was using inflammatory language out of frustration over Modi’s popularity. Both demanded accountability from the Congress leadership.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath described the remark as unacceptable and called for an apology to the country. BJP leader Smriti Irani similarly accused the Congress of substituting personal attacks for policy-based criticism.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the comment contradicted the Congress’s message of political harmony. Union minister Jyotiraditya Scindia also demanded an apology, arguing that ideological disagreements should not undermine basic standards of public conduct.

Other BJP leaders, including West Bengal leader Suvendu Adhikari and MP Tejasvi Surya, accused the Congress of using provocative language because it could not challenge the government on its record. BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra alleged that Kharge had acted at Rahul Gandhi’s behest, while MP Ravi Shankar Prasad sought apologies from Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi.

Congress Counters BJP Over Its Own Political Rhetoric

Congress leaders rejected the BJP’s criticism and argued that the controversy was being viewed in isolation from the ruling party’s own record of political attacks.

Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel defended Kharge, saying the remark came after an interruption during his speech and questioning why it was being portrayed as abusive. Baghel cited previous remarks attributed to Modi about political opponents, including references to a “50-crore girlfriend”, Jersey cows and the mangalsutra, and accused the BJP of applying different standards to its leaders and the opposition.

Congress MP Pawan Khera alleged that Kharge had faced disrespect both during the Patna event and in an earlier controversy involving an alleged purification ritual after a Congress meeting in Uttarakhand. Khera claimed the audience member had challenged Kharge over Modi’s continuation in office and argued that the Congress president’s response was directed at the ideological establishment rather than Modi’s family.

Congress MP Abhishek Manu Singhvi also questioned what he described as selective outrage over political language. Citing past expressions such as “50-crore girlfriend”, “Jersey gaai” and “Surpnakha”, Singhvi argued that standards of political decency should be applied consistently.

Kharge Raises Alleged Purification Ritual

Kharge, meanwhile, broadened his attack on the BJP and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), referring to an alleged purification ritual following a Congress meeting on August 8, 2026.

In a post on X, he claimed that Nadda had expressed regret in Parliament over the incident but that no action had followed. Kharge also alleged that an FIR had been registered against Rahul Gandhi instead.

Accusing the Prime Minister of speaking about the Constitution while failing to address caste discrimination, Kharge urged people in Bihar to work towards eliminating untouchability, arguing that social equality was essential for peace and progress.

The exchange has widened into a broader confrontation over political language, caste discrimination and the standards expected of senior leaders, with both parties accusing the other of undermining public discourse.