A remark by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge about Prime Minister Narendra Modi has triggered a political controversy following an exchange at a public event in Patna, Bihar, on Sunday. The incident took place during a programme marking the 139th birth anniversary of Shri Krishna Singh, Bihar’s first chief minister, and led to sharp criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
The controversy began when Kharge was addressing the gathering and speaking about alleged electoral irregularities. During his speech, a man in the audience, identified as Santosh Kumar, was heard saying, “Modi kahin nahin jayega,” which translates to “Modi will not go anywhere.” Kharge responded with the remark, “Modi ka baap bhi jayega,” meaning that even Modi’s father would have to go. The Congress president repeated the statement, prompting an uproar.
However, Kumar later claimed that his original sentence had been misunderstood because only a part of it was audible. According to him, he had intended to say that Modi would not leave power unless there was a public revolt against the government. He maintained that his words were taken out of context and that he was not attempting to defend the prime minister.
Following the exchange, several people in the audience reportedly surrounded Kumar, assaulted him and escorted him out of the venue. After leaving the hall, Kumar reiterated his opposition to the government and said he believed a public movement against it was necessary.
The incident quickly escalated into a political dispute, with BJP leaders demanding an apology from Kharge. Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticised the Congress president’s language, accusing the party of repeatedly making inappropriate remarks about the prime minister and his family. Other BJP leaders also condemned the statement, arguing that political disagreements should not involve personal attacks.
The Congress, meanwhile, defended Kharge’s remarks. Party representatives argued that his words were used in a political context and described the statement as an expression rather than an intentional insult. Some leaders also pointed to past remarks made by BJP leaders against opposition figures.
The episode has highlighted how a brief exchange, particularly one involving an incomplete or misunderstood statement, can quickly develop into a larger political controversy. While the BJP continues to demand an apology, Kumar’s account has added another dimension to the dispute by raising questions about what was actually said before Kharge responded.
The controversy comes amid continuing political tensions between the ruling BJP and the Congress-led opposition over allegations of electoral irregularities and the conduct of political campaigns.