Complaint filed in Patna against Kharge over remark on Modi's father; BJP announces protest

A statement by Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge has heated up politics. A controversy has erupted over what he said about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's father at an event in Patna, the capital of Bihar. A written complaint has been submitted against Kharge at Kotwali police station in Patna. The BJP has condemned the remark and announced a protest. Congress leaders, on the other hand, have stood by Kharge and in turn attacked the BJP politically. The confrontation between the two parties is likely to sharpen further.

The complaint was filed by Krishna Singh Kallu, a member of the BJP's state executive committee. It alleges that Kharge used insulting and uncivil language about the Prime Minister and his father at a public event.

Political circles are now watching what legal action follows the complaint. It is also important to remember that the filing of a complaint does not mean the allegations have been proved.

Kharge is currently on a visit to Bihar. Speaking at the Patna event, he raised the issue of alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists. He said those involved would be sent to jail.

One of those present reportedly responded that Modi would not go. In reply, Kharge allegedly said, "Modi's father will also go." This is what has been claimed. After the remark the BJP turned aggressive, while the Congress tried to explain the context of Kharge's words.

The BJP has called for a protest against Kharge's statement. The party is reported to have planned to burn an effigy of Kharge in the Income Tax Golambar area of Patna on the morning of October 26. It has also been said that the BJP has announced a nationwide protest. The agitation could sharpen the exchange of allegations and counter-allegations in the coming days.

Congress leader Pawan Khera defended Kharge and targeted the BJP and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. Khera claims that Kharge was delivering a speech when a person shouted a reaction from the crowd. In reply, Kharge referred to the BJP's ideological role.

Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel also backed Kharge's statement. He said the context of an exchange during a political speech must be kept in mind. He also referred to some earlier statements by Prime Minister Modi and questioned the BJP's stand.

While the BJP regards the remark as an insult to the Prime Minister, the Congress claims it was a reply to sloganeering by opponents. The row that began with Kharge's remark has thus become a new centre of political confrontation. Both parties may offer further reactions on the matter in the coming days.