'An Insult to the Nation,' Say NDA Leaders on Kharge Remark
New Delhi, October 26: A fresh political storm has erupted after Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge's indecent comment about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's father drew sharp reactions from several leaders. Speakers of state assemblies and Members of Parliament from different parties have condemned the remark and called for political discourse to be conducted with dignity.
The remark has been widely criticised as an attack that goes beyond acceptable political debate. Many leaders have asked Kharge to apologise to the country and to the Prime Minister, arguing that such personal comments have no place in public discussion.
Bihar Assembly Speaker Prem Kumar was among the first to object. He said the statement contained language that was inappropriate and highly objectionable, and that Kharge should apologise to the nation. Kumar argued that the remark was an insult not only to Prime Minister Narendra Modi but to the entire country. He accused Kharge and Rahul Gandhi of repeatedly making disrespectful statements and using abusive language against the Prime Minister. He said such rhetoric had created widespread resentment and urged Kharge to ask for forgiveness from citizens and the Prime Minister in time.
Uttar Pradesh Assembly Speaker Satish Mahana added that Kharge and the Congress had been using meaningless and offensive words for several days. He said that those who considered power their family's property for years had now been recognised and rejected by voters. According to Mahana, the opposition's statements reflected their mental exhaustion, and he stressed that the public was watching every development and that such language did not suit political decorum.
NCP Member of Parliament Sunil Dattatray Tatkare also condemned the remark and said opposition parties should avoid such language. He noted that India's parliamentary democracy is founded on strong principles and that political leaders must express their views within those principles. He said personal attacks are unjustified and that restraint and dignity must be maintained in public discourse, regardless of political differences.
BJP Member of Parliament Sanjay Jaiswal criticised Kharge, claiming that he functions as a mere conduit within the Congress leadership and issues statements on instructions rather than independent judgement. Jaiswal recalled former Congress president Sitaram Kesri, alleging that even party presidents were not treated with respect within the organisation. He also alleged that Rahul Gandhi had assigned Kharge the task of making controversial remarks in his absence.
BJP Member of Parliament Sandhya Rai said she respected Kharge as a senior leader but found it improper to make such remarks about the Prime Minister. She said the Prime Minister represents 144 crore citizens of the country. Rai stated that disagreements between parties are natural, but they should not lead to indecent language against the Prime Minister. She asked why a leader of Kharge's stature had chosen to make such a statement.
Punjab Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan, referring to the SIR protest scheduled for November 1, expressed concern over the accountability of constitutional institutions and the right to vote. He said that if a public servant or constitutional body acts wrongly or illegally, providing protection from registration of an FIR against them raises serious questions.
Sandhwan said protecting democracy and the right to vote is essential. He alleged that tampering with the right to vote is condemnable and that responsible persons should face action in such cases. He recalled the sacrifices made to defend democracy and said the people of Punjab had also made great sacrifices for this cause.