UDUPI: Udupi BJP district president Kuthyaru Naveen Shetty has criticised Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge over his recent remarks about Prime Minister Narendra Modi at an event in Patna, Bihar, and demanded a public apology.
In a press statement, Shetty described Kharge’s language as objectionable and alleged that his conduct would further damage the Congress party’s standing.
BJP leader condemns remarks
Kharge made the controversial remark on October 25 while addressing a programme in Patna to mark the birth anniversary of Bihar’s first Chief Minister, Shri Krishna Singh. He was responding to a comment from a person in the audience about Modi remaining in power.
The remark triggered criticism from BJP leaders, who accused the Congress president of using inappropriate language against the Prime Minister.
Shetty alleged that Kharge had used objectionable language to please Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi. He described the statement as unacceptable and said the Prime Minister’s office should be treated with respect.
Demands apology from Kharge
Shetty said India had gained international prominence and claimed that Congress leaders were reacting out of frustration over Modi’s growing public image. He urged Kharge to apologise to the country for his remarks.
The Udupi BJP chief also accused Congress leaders of repeatedly making personal attacks against Modi and making derogatory comments about his family. He said such statements were inappropriate in public and political discourse.
Political row intensifies
Kharge’s remarks have drawn criticism from several BJP leaders, while Congress leaders have defended the context in which the statement was made. Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge said his father had responded to a provocation from a person in the audience and accused the BJP of applying double standards in its criticism.
Shetty, meanwhile, alleged that the public was observing the Congress party’s conduct and would respond politically in future elections.
The exchange has added to the ongoing political confrontation between the Congress and the BJP, with leaders from both parties trading accusations over public statements and political conduct.