A political firestorm has ignited in Bihar following offensive remarks made in Darbhanga regarding the late mother of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The BJP and the NDA are actively attempting to exploit the issue for political advantage. The NDA, seeking to challenge the momentum of the Mahagathbandhan’s ‘Voter Adhikar Yatra,’ has formulated a counter-strategy. As a direct protest against the controversial comments, the NDA has declared a Bihar bandh for September 4th.
The announcement was made at a joint press conference held on Tuesday at the BJP’s state office in Patna. The state presidents of all the NDA’s constituent parties were present to provide details about the planned shutdown. Among those present were Dr. Dilip Jaiswal from the BJP, Anil Kumar representing the HAM party, Umesh Singh Kushwaha from the Janata Dal United, Raju Tiwari from the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), and Madan Chaudhary, the in-charge state president of the Rashtriya Lok Morcha. Also attending the press conference were women leaders from the NDA, including Baby Kumari, Vice President of the BJP Mahila Morcha; Dr. Bharti Mehta, the Janata Dal United’s Women’s Wing President; Kumari Shobha Sinha from the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) Women’s Wing; and Smriti Kushwaha from the Rashtriya Lok Morcha Women’s Wing.
Dr. Dilip Jaiswal, the BJP’s state president, vehemently denounced the abusive language used against PM Modi and his mother during events organized by the Congress and RJD in Darbhanga. He stated that such remarks were not only reprehensible but also a disgrace to democratic values and the people of Bihar. He emphasized the universal respect for mothers, regardless of political affiliations, and questioned the appropriateness of such offensive language.
He further stated that the NDA’s decision to hold a Bihar bandh on September 4th was in response to the derogatory remarks. This bandh is intended as a public expression of dissent against the statements made by the RJD and Congress. The bandh will commence at 7 am and continue until 12 pm, with exemptions for emergency services and rail operations.
Dr. Jaiswal urged the public to support the Bihar bandh on September 4th, arguing that it was a necessary response to the actions of the RJD and Congress. He added that the women’s wings of the NDA parties would be leading the bandh.
Umesh Singh Kushwaha condemned the offensive language, calling it a blow to democratic principles and pointing out the high regard for mothers in Indian culture. He highlighted the lack of public apologies from any Mahagathbandhan leaders and questioned their intentions.
Raju Tiwari stated that the language reflected the speakers’ values and culture, recalling similar rhetoric used against Chirag Paswan’s family in 2024. He criticized the disrespect shown towards the concept of motherhood.
Dr. Anil Kumar expressed his disapproval, highlighting the fear the remarks had instilled in the people of Bihar. He referenced the past ‘jungle raj’ and the importance of respecting mothers.
Madan Chaudhary expressed his support for the bandh, emphasizing respect for all mothers and stating that the Rashtriya Lok Morcha’s women’s wing would participate fully. Dr. Bharti Mehta also condemned the remarks, stating they were an insult to the nation and calling for public support for the bandh.