A significant political event unfolded in Patna, Bihar, on Friday, involving clashes between BJP and Congress workers. The incident was triggered by controversial remarks made against Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s mother at RJD and Congress gatherings in Darbhanga. In response, the Bihar BJP organized a protest march from Kurji Holy Family Hospital, traversing the city before reaching the Congress state office, Sadaqat Ashram. Demonstrators expressed outrage over the perceived insults directed towards women and vehemently protested against the RJD and Congress.
During the march, a physical altercation erupted between BJP and Congress supporters near the Congress office, resulting in reports of batons being used. The area surrounding Sadaqat Ashram became a site of unrest for approximately an hour, with reports of injuries on both sides. Minister Nitin Navin condemned the actions of the RJD and Congress, citing the insult to the Prime Minister’s mother.
Minister Sanjay Sarawgi denounced the remarks, stating that Bihar would not condone any insult towards any mother. He emphasized the Prime Minister’s dedication to serving the nation and characterized the comments as a manifestation of the RJD-Congress’s low moral standards. He accused the Mahagathbandhan of stooping to the level of using offensive language towards the Prime Minister’s late mother, viewing it as an attack on the honor of every Indian mother and woman. MLA Sanjeev Chaurasia echoed this 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 condemned the attack by BJP workers on the Congress office, labeling it a cowardly act. He insisted that individuals using offensive language against the Prime Minister should face consequences. He reiterated the RJD’s commitment to maintaining decorum in politics. He criticized the Bihar government ministers for allegedly orchestrating a planned attack on a political party’s office, involving 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 released a joint statement, expressing their criticism of the Congress and RJD. They claimed the opposition’s actions stemmed from their anticipation of losing the upcoming elections. They accused opposition leaders of resorting to abusive language instead of focusing on constructive debates about development, as their political support diminishes.
They expressed concern that the opposition’s declining political standards extended beyond the Prime Minister to encompass his mother, viewing this as an insult to the nation. They emphasized that democracy relies on the exchange of ideas, not personal attacks and foul language. They viewed the actions as a violation of Bihar’s political culture and the public’s expectations.
Maoist leader Dhirendra Jha stated that the BJP was engaged in spreading false propaganda due to the success of the Voter Adhikar Yatra and the extensive public support it had garnered. Jha claimed that no leader from any Mahagathbandhan party had uttered the statements being attributed to them by the BJP. He further alleged that the BJP was staging events before the yatra’s arrival to spread disinformation.
Jha asserted 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 referenced 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 condemned the attack on the state Congress headquarters, asserting that it reflected a hateful and dominant mentality towards the Dalit community, particularly since the state Congress is led by a Dalit leader. He stated that the continuous advancement of Dalit and marginalized communities under the Congress had caused frustration for the BJP, leading them to undermine the Dalit community politically and launch attacks.
Ram stated 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 several constituencies. Senior leaders attended and boosted the morale of the workers, emphasizing 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.