Delhi Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Harsh Malhotra on Monday, 26 October led a large demonstration near the official residence of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge at Rajaji Marg, New Delhi, demanding a public apology over remarks Kharge allegedly made about the late father of Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a meeting in Patna a day earlier. Around 200 party office-bearers and workers, including Malhotra himself, were subsequently detained by police and taken to Mandir Marg Police Station.

What Happened at the Protest

The demonstration, conducted by Delhi BJP General Secretary Mohan Lal Gihara, drew participation from the Delhi BJP's Purvanchal, Yuva, and OBC Morchas, with an estimated 2,000 workers in attendance. Delhi BJP In-charge Vinay Sahasrabuddhe also joined the protest. After leaders addressed the gathering, workers began marching toward Kharge's residence. Police erected barricades at the Kushak Road turn; when workers broke through, a heavy police contingent halted the march near Sena Bhawan. Officers then detained approximately 200 senior office-bearers and workers, ferrying them to Mandir Marg Police Station in five buses.

What BJP Leaders Said

Malhotra declared that the protest would continue until Kharge issued a formal apology. 'We have gathered at Kharge's residence today to tell him that PM Modi is not merely a senior leader of the BJP, but one of the top leaders in the world and the Prime Minister of India. Kharge must apologise for his remarks,' he said. Malhotra further alleged that the Congress, having suffered repeated electoral defeats, had grown 'frustrated' and was resorting to what he called an 'atmosphere of anarchy.'

Sahasrabuddhe argued that Modi had risen to the Prime Minister's office through 'immense struggle' from an ordinary background, and that any attempt to insult that journey was unacceptable. 'The kind of objectionable language used by the Congress President does not befit the president of the country's oldest political party,' he said. Delhi Purvanchal Morcha President Santosh Ojha further claimed that by allegedly insulting the Prime Minister's father, Kharge had also insulted the Purvanchal community.

The Allegation Against Kharge

The BJP's protest stems from remarks Kharge reportedly made at a meeting in Patna on Sunday, 25 October, which party leaders allege were insulting toward PM Modi's late father. Kharge and the Congress have not yet issued a formal public response to the BJP's apology demand, according to available reports. The remarks have not been independently verified, and the Congress's characterisation of what was said was not immediately available.

Broader Political Context

This is the latest episode in an escalating war of words between the ruling BJP and the Congress ahead of a series of state by-elections. Malhotra alleged that Congress leaders had repeatedly staged protests in violation of the law — including at Connaught Place, outside the Supreme Court, and near the gates of Parliament — and accused them of 'mobilising disruptive and anarchic elements.' Critics within the Congress, however, have consistently framed such BJP protests as attempts to deflect from substantive political debate. The BJP's use of organised morcha protests at opposition leaders' residences follows a well-established pattern in Delhi's political theatre.

What Comes Next

Malhotra warned that BJP workers would confront Kharge at every public address venue to demand an apology. With by-election results expected in the coming weeks and both parties intensifying their campaigns, the exchange is likely to sustain political heat well beyond Monday's demonstration.