Congress MPs 'Who Is PM Modi's Sita?' Remark Triggers Political Row, Delhi BJP Lodges Police Complaint

A political controversy broke out on Monday after senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Pramod Tiwari made a remark involving Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Goddess Sita during a press interaction, prompting the Delhi BJP to file a police complaint alleging that the statement hurt the religious sentiments of Hindus.

The BJP accused the Congress leader of making an objectionable comment about a revered figure in Hinduism and demanded legal action against him. The complaint was submitted to the Delhi Police by members of the party's legal cell, who alleged that Tiwari's remarks were offensive and capable of disturbing communal harmony.

The controversy stems from comments made by Tiwari while criticizing the BJP over allegations related to the management of donations received for the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Referring to the Ramayana, the Congress MP questioned the Prime Minister's role during the temple's consecration ceremony and asked, "Who is PM Modi's Sita?" The statement quickly drew sharp reactions from BJP leaders, who described it as disrespectful to Goddess Sita.

According to the Delhi BJP, the remark crossed the boundaries of political criticism by invoking a sacred religious figure. Party leaders argued that freedom of political expression should not come at the cost of hurting religious beliefs and called for appropriate legal action under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

The Congress, meanwhile, has maintained its broader criticism of the BJP over issues linked to the Ram Temple donation controversy, asserting that its questions are aimed at accountability and governance rather than religion. However, the party has not officially issued a detailed response to the police complaint at the time of publication.

The latest dispute has further intensified the ongoing war of words between the BJP and the Congress, with both parties accusing each other of lowering the standard of political discourse. Religious references have increasingly become flashpoints in India's political debates, often leading to legal complaints and public outrage.

Legal experts note that complaints alleging injury to religious sentiments are subject to police scrutiny, and authorities will examine the facts before deciding whether any cognisable offence has been made out. Filing of a complaint does not automatically result in criminal proceedings, and any further action will depend on the outcome of the investigation. The Delhi Police is expected to review the complaint and determine the next course of action. The incident has once again highlighted how political statements involving faith and religion can quickly escalate into legal and political controversies, particularly in the run-up to key electoral battles.