New Delhi, Oct 2026: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday criticised Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge over his recent remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, describing them as “extremely unfortunate” and accusing the opposition party of experiencing an ideological decline alongside its political setbacks.
The controversy erupted after Kharge made the remark “Modi ka baap bhi jayega” during an event in Patna, Bihar, on Sunday. The Congress president was responding to an audience member who reportedly said that the Prime Minister would not go anywhere.
Kharge, who is also the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, was addressing a programme organised to mark the 139th birth anniversary of Shrikrishna Singh, Bihar’s first chief minister, when the exchange took place.
Reacting to the incident, Singh said Kharge’s remarks were unfortunate and had hurt the sentiments of millions of people across the country. He argued that political disagreements should not descend into personal attacks, particularly when directed at the Prime Minister and his family.
“Turning ideological opposition into personal insults, dragging political disagreement down to abusive language, and targeting the Prime Minister’s family reflect the Congress’s frustration and ideological bankruptcy,” Singh said.
He added that such statements went beyond an attack on an individual or family and undermined the dignity of political discourse in the country.
“I believe this is not merely an insult to an individual or a family, but an attack on the dignity of Indian politics,” the Defence Minister said.
Rajnath Singh Calls for Restraint in Political Discourse
Emphasising the importance of maintaining decorum in public life, Singh said democratic politics allowed parties to oppose the government, question its policies and criticise its decisions. However, he maintained that such opposition should remain within the boundaries of responsible political conduct.
“Political opposition is one thing, but this kind of conduct cannot be acceptable under any circumstances,” Singh said.
He urged political leaders to avoid personal remarks and focus their criticism on government policies and decisions rather than individuals or their families.
Singh also said that Kharge, given his position as the national president of the Congress, was expected to demonstrate greater seriousness, restraint and responsibility in public life.
“If the national president of the Congress himself uses such language, it is not only contrary to the dignity of his post, but also raises serious questions about Congress’s political culture,” he said.
The Defence Minister further alleged that the standard of Congress politics was declining and described Kharge’s remarks as evidence of what he called the party’s ideological downfall.
Congress Criticised for Defending Kharge’s Remarks
Singh also took issue with the Congress party’s response to the controversy, alleging that it had attempted to justify Kharge’s statement rather than acknowledge the mistake and express regret.
He said political parties should recognise the responsibility that comes with public office and ensure that their leaders maintain standards of conduct expected in a democracy.
Singh asserted that Prime Minister Modi would not be distracted by such remarks and that his commitment to public service would remain unaffected.
“Prime Minister Modi can neither be distracted by such remarks, nor can his resolve to serve the public be weakened in any way,” he said.
Concluding his criticism, Singh reminded the Congress that voters closely observe the conduct of political leaders and express their judgment through democratic processes.
“In a democracy, the public keeps account of everything and gives a fitting reply when the time comes,” he added.
The exchange has brought political language and public conduct back into focus, with the remarks triggering criticism from the BJP and adding to the ongoing political confrontation between the ruling party and the Congress.
