BJP hits back at Sanjay Raut: 'Insult to Modi is insult to 140 crore Indians'
Synopsis
BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari fired back at Shiv Sena (UBT)'s Sanjay Raut on X after Raut called PM Modi 'Aghori' and alleged 'political perversion' under his leadership. The BJP's counter — that every insult to Modi is an insult to 140 crore Indians — signals how the ruling party intends to weaponise opposition rhetoric heading into the next electoral cycle.
Key Takeaways
BJP launched a sharp attack on Sanjay Raut (Shiv Sena UBT) on 13 June over his remarks against PM Narendra Modi .
BJP National Spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari posted on X , calling Raut's comments an insult to 140 crore Indians .
Bhandari alleged the INDIA bloc targets PM Modi to protect 'family and political interests.' Raut had called PM Modi 'Aghori' and alleged 'political perversion' since the rise of Modi and Amit Shah .
Raut also claimed BJP leaders fear central agencies — the ED and CBI — and stay silent under pressure.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday, 13 June launched a sharp counterattack against Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut after he made pointed remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Pune, with the ruling party accusing the opposition INDIA bloc of targeting the Prime Minister because it has repeatedly failed to defeat him at the ballot box.
BJP's Response on X
BJP National Spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari took to X to condemn Raut's remarks, framing the opposition's criticism as an affront to the electorate. 'Rahul Gandhi's another favourite minion is back to abusing PM Modi simply because he can't defeat him electorally! Sanjay Raut calls PM Modi Aghori! Every insult to PM Modi is an insult to 140 crore Indians who trust PM MODI's leadership. The fate is for everyone for UBT to see: Eternal Loss!' Bhandari posted.
He followed up with a second post: 'CONGRESS AND ITS NOT SO CALLED ALLIES HAVE GONE MAD IN PM MODI HATE!'
What Bhandari Alleged
In a separate video message, Bhandari alleged that leaders of the INDIA bloc were targeting Prime Minister Modi to shield their own political and family interests. 'The entire INDI alliance is insulting Prime Minister Modi because they want to save their families and political interests. Whether it is Sanjay Raut or any other opposition leader, they are not just insulting PM Modi, they are insulting the 140 crore people of India who have repeatedly chosen him as their Prime Minister. They draw inspiration from divisive and destructive figures from history like Aurangzeb, Ghazni,' he said.
What Raut Said
The BJP's retaliation came in response to remarks Raut made during an interaction with reporters in Pune. The Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha MP alleged that 'there can be no cruel and ruthless leader like Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the country' and claimed that since the politics of PM Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah began, 'political perversion' in the country had reached its peak.
Raut also alleged growing internal discontent within the BJP, claiming that many party leaders remained silent out of fear of central investigative agencies, specifically the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Broader Political Context
This comes amid a sustained pattern of verbal exchanges between the ruling BJP and the INDIA bloc, which has intensified in the weeks following the 2024 general election results. Critics argue that both sides have escalated the rhetoric beyond policy debate. Notably, Raut has been among the more vocal critics of the BJP leadership from within the opposition coalition, frequently making headlines with pointed personal attacks on the Prime Minister. The BJP, in turn, has consistently framed such criticism as an insult to the Indian voter rather than engaging on the substance of the allegations.
With the INDIA bloc still recalibrating its strategy post-election, the war of words is expected to continue as both sides position themselves ahead of upcoming state elections.
Point of View
Sidelining the actual allegations. Raut's 'Aghori' remark and claims of ED-CBI intimidation within the BJP are serious enough to warrant a factual response — but the BJP chose theatre over substance. Meanwhile, the INDIA bloc's continued reliance on personal attacks rather than policy alternatives risks reinforcing the BJP's narrative that the opposition has nothing constructive to offer. The real question — whether internal BJP dissent exists and whether central agencies are being used politically — goes unanswered in the noise.
NationPress
29 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Sanjay Raut say about PM Modi that triggered the BJP's response?
Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut called PM Narendra Modi 'Aghori' during a media interaction in Pune and alleged that 'political perversion' in the country had peaked since the rise of Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. He also claimed BJP leaders were silenced by fear of the ED and CBI.
How did the BJP respond to Sanjay Raut's remarks?
BJP National Spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari posted on X, saying every insult to PM Modi is an insult to 140 crore Indians. He also released a video alleging the INDIA bloc targets Modi to protect family and political interests, and accused opposition leaders of drawing inspiration from historical divisive figures.
Who is Pradeep Bhandari?
Pradeep Bhandari is a National Spokesperson for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), known for being a frequent party voice on television debates and social media, particularly in responding to opposition criticism of PM Modi.
What is the INDIA bloc and why is it relevant here?
The INDIA bloc is an opposition coalition formed ahead of the 2024 general elections, comprising parties including the Indian National Congress (Congress), Shiv Sena (UBT), and others. The BJP has accused the alliance of coordinating personal attacks on PM Modi as a substitute for electoral strategy.
What broader pattern does this exchange reflect?
This exchange is part of a sustained cycle of verbal attacks between the BJP and the INDIA bloc that has intensified since the 2024 election results. Both sides have escalated rhetoric, with the BJP consistently framing opposition criticism as disrespect to Indian voters, and opposition leaders targeting Modi and Shah personally rather than on policy.
