BJP Calls Nationwide Protests Over Kharge's Remark on PM Modi Amid EC Row

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has called for nationwide protests against Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge over his controversial remark about Prime Minister Narendra Modi, escalating the political confrontation between the ruling party and the opposition. The announcement comes amid an ongoing dispute over the Election Commission of India’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, which has become a major point of disagreement between the BJP and opposition parties.

The controversy erupted after Kharge made the remark during an event in Patna, Bihar, on Sunday. The Congress president was addressing a gathering marking the birth anniversary of former Bihar chief minister Shri Krishna Singh when an exchange with an audience member led to the contentious statement. The BJP strongly objected to Kharge’s words, accusing him of making an inappropriate personal remark about the Prime Minister and his family. The party demanded an apology and called on its state units to organise demonstrations across the country.

BJP leaders argued that political disagreements should remain focused on policies and governance rather than personal comments about political opponents and their families. The planned protests are intended to highlight the party’s objection to Kharge’s statement and increase pressure on the Congress leadership. The Congress, meanwhile, has defended its president and disputed the BJP’s criticism of the exchange. The party has also continued to raise concerns about the electoral roll revision process, arguing that questions surrounding the accuracy and transparency of voter lists require attention.

The SIR exercise has generated political tensions, with opposition parties seeking greater scrutiny of the process and the BJP rejecting allegations of wrongdoing. The disagreement has widened the divide between the two sides as they prepare for further political demonstrations and campaigns. The INDIA bloc has also planned activities opposing Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the electoral roll issue, with reports indicating a symbolic public event on October 30 and a march to Ramlila Maidan in Delhi on November 1.

The BJP’s protest announcement adds another layer to the confrontation, bringing Kharge’s remarks into an already heated debate over the Election Commission and electoral transparency. The immediate focus will be on the scale of the BJP’s demonstrations and the Congress leadership’s response to the demand for an apology. The developments are expected to keep the BJP-Congress conflict in the spotlight as the dispute over electoral rolls continues.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Hindustan Times.