BJP to protest nationwide Monday over Kharge's remarks on PM Modi's late father
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced nationwide demonstrations on Monday, 27 October 2025, against remarks made by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge in Patna regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's late father, which the party has described as 'insulting, indecent and offensive.' The BJP has directed all its state headquarters across India to organise coordinated protests on the day.
What Triggered the Protests
The BJP said the remarks, made by Kharge during an event in Patna, crossed what it termed the basic limits of political discourse. Party leaders characterised the comments as a personal attack on the Prime Minister's family rather than any critique of governance or policy. The fact that the target was a family member no longer alive drew particular condemnation from senior BJP figures, who called it a new low in public debate.
What the BJP Has Demanded
Senior BJP leaders have demanded an unconditional apology from Congress President Kharge, insisting that democratic political life must adhere to basic standards of decency and mutual respect. Party spokespersons stated the protests would send a clear signal that such remarks would not be tolerated. BJP state units have been instructed to keep the demonstrations peaceful but firm, with party workers and leaders expected to gather in large numbers at state offices.
Congress Yet to Respond
The Congress had not issued an immediate clarification or response to the controversy as of the time of reporting. The absence of a counter-statement from the opposition party is likely to keep the episode at the centre of political attention through the week. This comes amid an already charged atmosphere between the two major national parties ahead of several state elections on the horizon.
Political Context and What's Next
The BJP's decision to mobilise all its state units simultaneously underscores how seriously the party is treating the episode. Protests spanning every state simultaneously represent a significant organisational deployment, indicating the issue is being leveraged both for internal consolidation and public messaging. Notably, disputes over personal remarks targeting leaders' families have repeatedly inflamed inter-party tensions in Indian politics, and this episode follows a recognisable pattern of such escalations. Attention will now focus on the scale of Monday's protests and whether Congress offers any response before or after the demonstrations.