Shrikant Shinde slams Congress over remarks on Modi's late father

Shiv Sena MP Dr Shrikant Shinde has expressed strong displeasure over statements made by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He put forth his position in a statement issued on the social media platform X. In it, he said the remarks were condemnable, unfortunate and against the limits of democracy.

Dr Shinde also said such language left him deeply shocked and greatly disappointed. He has expressed his feelings openly in the statement.

Dr Shinde said differences of opinion and political opposition are natural in a democracy. However, he said, personal bitterness and insulting language in the name of opposition must not be accepted. He took aim at the Congress on this count. He said the party's constant harsh stance towards Prime Minister Modi now appears to be crossing the limits of political disagreement.

In his statement, he also strongly objected to the insulting language allegedly used against the late father of Prime Minister Modi. He said decency, values and humanity carry special importance in public life. Political rivalry has its place, Dr Shinde said, but targeting anyone's late parents goes against the basic limits of humanity.

Dr Shinde said political leaders should show restraint and a sense of responsibility in their public statements. There are many ways to express disagreement in a democratic system, he said, but personal remarks lower the quality of political dialogue.

Dr Shrikant Shinde further noted that Narendra Modi is not merely a leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party but the Prime Minister of the country, and has received the mandate of the people. Using insulting language against him, therefore, is not just a question of language, he said. It is also a question of the dignity of the office of Prime Minister and respect for the democratic mandate.

Finally, Dr Shinde said the people of the country expect their elected representatives to use decent and dignified language despite political differences, and to uphold respect for democratic traditions. The Shiv Sena MP repeatedly underlined this point in his statement.