Bihar Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Sanjay Saraogi on Monday, 26 October warned that his party would stage protests across major cities in the country after Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge made controversial remarks about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's late parents at a public event in Patna. Saraogi said the remarks were unacceptable and that ordinary citizens would not forgive such language in political discourse.

What Saraogi Said

'Using abusive, street-level language against the Prime Minister's late father, Damodardas Mulchand Modi, is something the people of the country and Bihar cannot tolerate under any circumstances,' Saraogi said. He went further, condemning references to Modi's late mother and father, the use of the term 'neech,' the label 'merchant of death,' and what he described as mockery of the Prime Minister's humble origins. Saraogi made clear that he and other BJP leaders intend to carry their protest to all major cities nationally.

The Remark That Sparked the Row

The controversy erupted during the 139th birth anniversary celebration of Shri Krishna Singh, Bihar's first Chief Minister, held in Patna. When a member of the audience was heard shouting 'Modi nahin jaayega' (Modi won't lose power), Kharge responded with 'Modi ka baap bhi jaayega' (Even PM Modi's father will have to go) — a phrase he reportedly repeated three times. The remark drew immediate and sharp condemnation from the BJP. Separately, the individual in the crowd was surrounded by Congress workers and reportedly roughed up before being removed from the venue, adding another layer of controversy to the incident.

Bihar Minister Joins the Criticism

Bihar Minister Ram Kripal Yadav described Kharge's comments as 'extremely unfortunate,' arguing they reveal the ideological disposition of the Congress party and its leadership. 'This reflects the thinking of the Congress party, Rahul Gandhi and its president. This is the culture of the Congress party, which is why the party has already been finished,' Yadav said. He also questioned the standards of political discourse, stating that disagreements could be expressed with dignity and that resorting to personal insults undermines democratic debate. 'I understand that you can oppose anyone using dignified language, but resorting to abuse or making such remarks raises questions about political ethics,' Yadav added.

Broader Political Context

This comes amid a charged political atmosphere in Bihar, a state that has historically been a key electoral battleground for both the BJP and the Congress. Attacks on PM Modi's personal background and family have surfaced periodically in opposition rhetoric, but the BJP has consistently responded with organised counter-mobilisation. Notably, Kharge's tenure as Congress President has seen several sharp verbal exchanges with the ruling party, and critics argue such episodes divert attention from substantive policy debate. The BJP's announced protest drive across major cities signals an intention to convert the controversy into a wider political campaign ahead of future electoral contests in the state.

What Happens Next

The BJP is expected to formalise its protest schedule across key cities in the coming days. Whether the Congress offers any clarification or apology over Kharge's remark remains to be seen. The episode is likely to intensify the ongoing war of words between the two parties in Bihar and at the national level.