Patna, Bihar witnessed a clash between BJP and Congress workers on Friday, sparked by contentious remarks made against Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s mother at RJD and Congress events in Darbhanga. The Bihar BJP initiated a protest march from Kurji Holy Family Hospital, which progressed through the city before culminating at the Congress state office, Sadaqat Ashram. The demonstrators voiced their outrage against perceived insults directed towards women, vehemently protesting against the RJD and Congress.
During the march, a physical confrontation occurred between BJP and Congress supporters near the Congress office. There were reports of the use of batons. The area around Sadaqat Ashram remained a scene of unrest for about an hour, with reports of injuries on both sides. Minister Nitin Navin condemned the actions of the RJD and Congress, stating that they had insulted the Prime Minister’s mother.
Minister Sanjay Sarawgi criticized the remarks, stating that Bihar would not accept any insult towards anyone’s mother. He highlighted the Prime Minister’s dedication to the nation and characterized the comments as a sign of the low moral standards of the RJD-Congress. He accused the Mahagathbandhan of descending to the point of using offensive language towards the Prime Minister’s late mother, which he viewed as an attack on the dignity of every Indian mother and woman. MLA Sanjeev Chaurasia supported the sentiment, noting that while Congress might find pride in such insults, the people of Bihar would not tolerate disrespect towards women.
RJD spokesperson Chittaranjan Gagan strongly condemned the attack by BJP workers on the Congress office in Sadaqat Ashram, Patna, labeling it a cowardly act. He stated that those using indecent language against the Prime Minister should face consequences. He emphasized the RJD’s commitment to maintaining decorum in politics. He criticized the Bihar government ministers for orchestrating a planned attack on a political party’s office, including vandalism and violence against the workers, stating that any condemnation of such actions would be insufficient.
JDU state spokesperson Himraj Ram and media panelist Dr. Madhurendu Pandey jointly issued a statement, criticizing the Congress and RJD, claiming their actions stemmed from an anticipated loss in the upcoming elections. They accused opposition leaders of resorting to abusive language, diverting from constructive debates about development as their political support dwindles.
They expressed concern that the opposition’s deteriorating political standards extended beyond the Prime Minister to include his mother, considering this an insult to the nation. They argued that democracy requires the exchange of ideas, not personal attacks and foul language. They considered the actions an affront to Bihar’s political culture and the public’s expectations.
Male’s Politburo member Dhirendra Jha asserted that the BJP was spreading false propaganda due to the success of the Voter Adhikar Yatra and the significant public support it had garnered. Jha stated that no leader from any Mahagathbandhan party had made the statements being attributed to them by the BJP. He added that the BJP was staging events before the yatra’s arrival to spread disinformation.
Jha maintained that the large crowds at the yatra had shaken the BJP’s base and that the BJP was now rattled, with their statements crossing both parliamentary and social boundaries.
JDU state president Umesh Singh Kushwaha addressed an NDA workers’ conference, urging the constituent parties to unite and ensure the NDA’s victory in Rupouli. He highlighted the progress in the Seemanchal region under the NDA government, which had been lagging behind for years. He mentioned the upcoming inauguration of the Purnia Airport on September 15, which he said would boost the area’s economic development.
Kushwaha criticized the opposition for trying to divert attention from the public under the guise of the Vote Adhikar Yatra. He pointed out that the Congress attributes victories to democracy but blames the Election Commission for losses, a duality that the people of Bihar recognize.
Kushwaha expressed confidence that the NDA would secure a historic win in Seemanchal in the upcoming elections with the NDA workers’ enthusiasm and coordination. He anticipated that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar would return to power with a strong majority of 225 seats.
Congress state president Rajesh Ram strongly condemned the attack on the state Congress headquarters, asserting that it reflected a hateful and dominant mentality towards the Dalit community, especially given that the state Congress is led by a Dalit leader. He stated that the constant progress of Dalit and marginalized communities under the Congress is a source of frustration for the BJP, leading them to undermine the Dalit community politically and launch attacks.
Ram asserted that their ideology is based on non-violence and fearlessness, and they are undeterred by the attacks.
Bihar’s Rural Works Minister, Ashok Choudhary, stated that the insulting comments against the Prime Minister were against democratic norms. He made these remarks after a public hearing at the JDU state office. Earlier, he had addressed the public’s problems and provided instructions for necessary action.
The NDA held a joint workers’ conference in multiple constituencies. Senior leaders attended the conference and boosted the morale of the workers, emphasizing the importance of unity. Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary said that the Congress and RJD are abusing the Prime Minister’s mother, while Nitish Kumar is working to empower women. He targeted Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav, saying that the road on which they are traveling is a result of the Nitish government’s efforts.
