Kharge's Modi Remark Sparks Row; Brajesh Pathak Hits Congress

Kanpur, October 27: A fresh war of words has erupted in Uttar Pradesh after Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge's remarks about Prime Minister Narendra Modi drew sharp criticism from senior state leaders. The statement has become the centre of a heated political debate.

State Minister Pratibha Shukla termed the comment extremely humiliating and inappropriate. Speaking in Kanpur Dehat, she said that a person's stature is defined by his conduct and contributions, and that remarks targeting a leader's parents are offensive. She urged Kharge to apologise without delay.

Shukla also questioned how a leader who has difficulty maintaining the basic decorum of speech could be entrusted with a top post in a national party. She defended Modi, saying he is working for every section of society and occupies a dignified office.

Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak made a similar point, accusing the Congress of using abusive language against the Prime Minister's parents. He said the people of the country would not accept such conduct and that the party would pay a price for it.

Pathak further alleged that the Congress was suffering from a loss of mental balance because of its hunger for power, and predicted a decisive victory for the BJP in the 2027 Uttar Pradesh elections.

The controversy began on October 25 in Patna, during a programme marking the 139th birth anniversary of Shrikrishna Sinha, Bihar's first Chief Minister. While Kharge was speaking against the SIR revision of voter lists and the BJP, someone in the crowd shouted, 'Modi nahi jayega.' Kharge reacted with displeasure, and the incident has since snowballed into a wider political confrontation.