Shrikant Shinde slams Kharge's remark on PM Modi's late father, asks why Gandhi family is silent

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has made a remark about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's late father. It has set off a controversy and the political temperature is high. Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde has strongly objected to the statement.

Shinde said differences are natural in politics. But stooping to the personal level and using abusive language in the name of opposition, he said, does not befit democratic tradition. He questioned the political culture of the Congress on this count. He also asked directly why the Gandhi family is silent on the statement.

Shinde put his views on the social media platform X, where he took strong exception to Kharge's statement. According to him, politics allows a battle of ideas and the freedom to criticise policies. But it is not right to cross the limits of decency, restraint and human sensitivity in doing so. He said targeting a leader's late parents is not political opposition but an example of personal insult.

Shinde also said Narendra Modi has reached the highest constitutional post through the mandate of the country's people. Therefore, while criticising him, it is necessary to keep in mind the dignity of the office of Prime Minister and the limits set by democracy. One may have differences with political opponents, but they should not turn into personal hatred. In Shinde's view, it is the responsibility of every leader to make considered statements in public life.

Saying that the Congress's top leadership should take a clear stand on the statement, Shinde questioned the Gandhi family's silence. He asked why the Congress leadership is quiet on a statement that crossed the limits of democracy. He said the Congress should introspect on the matter.

Shinde said in conclusion that the level of language and the decency of public life should be maintained while expressing disagreement. Instead of personal criticism, the public's questions should be discussed, which is what is expected, he said.