The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced nationwide protests after Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge made a controversial remark involving Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s late father during a public event in Bihar. The comment, made while discussing alleged irregularities in the voter roll revision process, quickly triggered a political storm, with BJP leaders accusing Kharge of crossing the limits of political discourse. The ruling party has planned protest rallies across the country, with some units announcing demonstrations that include burning effigies to condemn the remark.

The controversy began when an audience member interrupted Kharge’s speech, prompting him to respond with a statement that BJP leaders described as disrespectful and offensive. Union Home Minister Amit Shah strongly criticized the Congress leader, accusing the opposition of repeatedly making personal attacks against Prime Minister Modi and his family. BJP leaders argued that political differences should not involve deceased family members, while the party’s social media campaign described the statement as unacceptable and contrary to democratic values. Congress, however, defended Kharge, saying the BJP was selectively targeting his remarks despite similar personal comments made by ruling party leaders in the past.

The latest confrontation has further intensified the ongoing political battle between the BJP and the Congress ahead of major opposition campaigns on electoral issues. The dispute comes amid heated debates over voter list revisions, with the opposition accusing the government and the Election Commission of electoral irregularities, allegations rejected by the ruling party. As both sides continue exchanging sharp accusations, the controversy is expected to dominate the political narrative in the coming days, with protests and counter-campaigns likely to further escalate tensions across the country.