BJP protests outside Congress office in Ranchi over Kharge's remark on PM Modi
Synopsis
BJP workers took to the streets outside the Congress office in Ranchi on 26 October, demanding an apology from Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge over an alleged remark about PM Modi's father. With barricades, counter-slogans, and police deployment, the Jharkhand protest underscored how personal attacks — real or perceived — are rapidly becoming the dominant currency of the state's pre-election politics.
Key Takeaways
BJP staged a protest outside the Congress office in Ranchi on 26 October 2025 over an alleged remark by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge about PM Modi's father.
The demonstration was led by Jharkhand BJP chief Aditya Sahu and Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi .
Heavy police deployment with barricades was arranged by the district administration to prevent unrest.
Congress workers responded with counter-slogans; police removed some workers who climbed barricades.
BJP has called for nationwide demonstrations and gheraos of Congress offices over the controversy.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday, 26 October 2025, staged a demonstration outside the Congress office in Ranchi, demanding an apology from Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge over an alleged objectionable remark concerning Prime Minister Narendra Modi's father. The protest, part of a nationwide BJP campaign, briefly turned tense as workers from both parties faced off near the party office.
Key Developments
The demonstration was led by Jharkhand BJP president Aditya Sahu and Leader of Opposition in the Jharkhand Assembly, Babulal Marandi. Protesters carrying party flags and placards marched toward the Congress office, raising slogans against Kharge and demanding that political leaders maintain decorum in public discourse.
Anticipating unrest, the district administration deployed heavy security in the area, with police personnel stationed in large numbers and barricades erected around the premises. Protesters attempted to cross the barricades, leading to heated exchanges between BJP workers and the police. Congress workers present at the site responded with counter-slogans, and some were seen climbing barricades before police intervened and removed them, preventing any escalation.
What BJP Leaders Said
Speaking at the protest, Babulal Marandi alleged that Congress leaders had 'repeatedly made objectionable statements against Prime Minister Modi' and had now extended such remarks to his parents. He argued that political differences should be expressed within the bounds of decorum and civility. The BJP has called for nationwide demonstrations and gheraos of Congress offices over the controversy, with the Ranchi protest forming part of that coordinated campaign.
The Kharge Remark Row
The controversy centres on a remark attributed to Mallikarjun Kharge that the BJP has described as objectionable and disrespectful to the Prime Minister's family. The Congress is yet to issue a formal apology, and the party's workers in Ranchi held their ground at the protest site throughout the event. The exact wording of Kharge's remark, as reported, relates to PM Modi's father, though its precise context remains a matter of contention between the two parties.
Political Backdrop
The protest comes at a politically charged moment, with Jharkhand heading into an election cycle that has sharpened rhetoric between the BJP and the Congress-led opposition. Accusations of personal attacks and counter-accusations of communal politics have marked the campaign discourse in the state. This is not the first time BJP has mobilised against remarks by Congress leaders targeting the Prime Minister's family; similar protests have been held in other states over comparable controversies in recent years.
With both parties dug in and no apology forthcoming from the Congress as yet, the standoff is likely to fuel further political sparring in the days ahead.
Point of View
Leaving the BJP's framing unchallenged in the public sphere. In a state heading to the polls, the party that controls the narrative of 'who crossed the line first' stands to gain — and both sides know it.
NationPress
26 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the remark by Mallikarjun Kharge that triggered the BJP protests?
The BJP has alleged that Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge made an objectionable remark related to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's father. The exact wording and full context of the remark remain contested, and Congress has not issued a formal apology as of the time of the protest on 26 October 2025.
Who led the BJP protest in Ranchi?
The demonstration was led by Jharkhand BJP president Aditya Sahu and Leader of Opposition in the Jharkhand Assembly, Babulal Marandi. BJP workers marched to the Congress office carrying party flags and placards, demanding an apology from Kharge.
Did the Ranchi protest turn violent?
The situation turned tense but no major violence was reported. Protesters attempted to cross police barricades, leading to heated arguments. Congress workers who climbed barricades were removed by police, preventing any untoward incident.
Is the Ranchi protest part of a wider BJP campaign?
Yes. The BJP has called for nationwide demonstrations and gheraos of Congress offices over the Kharge remark controversy. The Ranchi protest on 26 October was part of that coordinated national campaign.
What is the political significance of the protest in Jharkhand?
Jharkhand is heading into an election cycle, making political rhetoric particularly sharp between the BJP and the Congress-led opposition. The protest reflects a broader pattern of personal-attack controversies being used as mobilisation tools in the state's pre-election environment.
