BJP files police complaint against Mallikarjun Kharge over remark on PM Modi's father

A Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader has filed a complaint against Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge at Patna's Kotwali police station over his controversial remark about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's father during a Congress event in the Bihar capital on Sunday.

Krishna Kumar, a member of the BJP's state working committee, submitted the complaint seeking an investigation into Kharge's remarks at a programme held at Bapu Sabhagar to mark the birth anniversary of Bihar's first Chief Minister, Sri Krishna Singh.

In his complaint, Kumar said he learnt about the statement through television news reports and was deeply hurt by it. He said derogatory remarks about an individual's family on a public platform were a sensitive matter and stressed the importance of dignity and mutual respect in public life.

Kumar urged the police to examine news reports, video footage and other available evidence to establish the exact words used by Kharge and the context in which they were spoken. He also sought appropriate legal action if the investigation found that any law had been violated.

What Did Kharge Say About PM Modi's Father?

The controversy erupted during Kharge's address at the Congress event. While criticising Prime Minister Modi, the Congress president was reportedly interrupted by a person in the audience, who said the Prime Minister was not going anywhere.

Kharge responded, "Even PM Modi's father will have to go", triggering a political row.

Videos of the incident reportedly showed Congress workers confronting and assaulting the person who interrupted the speech. The circumstances surrounding the altercation have also drawn attention.

BJP Leaders Demand Apology From Kharge

The remark drew sharp criticism from BJP leaders, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP president Nitin Nabin.

Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary also demanded an apology from Kharge and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. Describing the remark as unfortunate, Choudhary accused the Congress leadership of displaying hostility towards the Prime Minister's family.

He said political differences should not lead to personal attacks against family members and called for an immediate apology.

The complaint has added to the political confrontation between the BJP and Congress in Bihar. The police have been asked to examine the available evidence and determine the context of the statement and whether it warrants legal action.

(With IANS inputs)