Kharge’s effigy burnt in Patna as BJP stages nationwide protests over Modi remarks

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) staged protests across several cities on Monday, October 26, against Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge over his remarks about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s late father. In Patna, BJP workers burnt an effigy of Kharge, while police detained several party leaders during demonstrations in Delhi and Bengaluru.

The protests followed Kharge’s remarks at an event in Patna on Sunday marking the 139th birth anniversary of Bihar’s first chief minister, Shrikrishna Singh. The Congress president was speaking about alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls when an audience member interrupted him, saying that Modi would not leave office as long as there was no rebellion.

Kharge responded, “Modi ka baap bhi jayega,” triggering criticism from the BJP, which accused him of making objectionable remarks about the Prime Minister’s late father.

Patna: Effigy burnt during BJP march

The Bihar BJP, led by state president Sanjay Saraogi, organised a ‘Jan Akrosh March’ from the party headquarters towards a commercial junction in Patna. Protesters raised slogans against Kharge and the Congress and burnt an effigy of the Congress chief.

A BJP worker, Krishna Kumar Singh, also filed a police complaint against Kharge over the remarks. Police said the complaint, submitted at Kotwali police station on Sunday evening, was being transferred to Gandhi Maidan police station, which has jurisdiction over the location of the event.

Demonstrations across India over Kharge's remarks:

Delhi BJP leaders and workers protested near Kharge’s residence on Rajaji Marg, demanding an apology from the Congress president and Rahul Gandhi. Police stopped the protesters when they attempted to march from Sena Bhawan Circle towards the residence.

Delhi BJP president Harsh Malhotra and several other party leaders were detained during the demonstration, according to media reports.

BJP leaders and workers staged a demonstration at Freedom Park in Bengaluru. Those reported to have been detained included Karnataka Assembly Leader of Opposition R Ashoka and BJP leader Ashwath Narayan.

The protesters demanded an apology from Kharge over his remarks.

BJP supporters also took to the streets in Lucknow to protest against the Congress chief. In Jammu, BJP workers burnt posters of Kharge and raised slogans against him.

The BJP had announced protests across the country and demanded an apology from Kharge and Rahul Gandhi. Union ministers and other party leaders also criticised the Congress president’s remarks.

Congress response

The Congress defended Kharge, with party spokesperson Pawan Khera alleging that an audience member had first insulted Kharge’s late father. Khera said Kharge’s reference was directed at the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), which he described as Modi’s ideological parent, rather than his biological father.

The controversy has intensified the political confrontation between the BJP and Congress, with both sides trading accusations over political rhetoric and public conduct.