‘Remarks taken out of context’: Congress worker at centre of Kharge row alleges assault

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge sparked controversy with remarks that were taken out of context, according to a BJP member who claims he was assaulted by party workers. Santosh Kumar, the BJP member from Chhapra, stated he was merely arguing that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would not step down unless the Congress staged a major revolt.

Kumar alleged that he was mistaken for a BJP supporter and physically assaulted by Congress workers before he could complete his point. "My remarks were taken out of context. I want to see Modi removed from power, but my statement was cut short, leading to the misunderstanding," Kumar said.

Kharge was delivering a speech at a program in Patna to mark the 139th birth anniversary of Bihar's first Chief Minister, Shri Krishna Singh, when an audience member interrupted him. The audience member shouted, "Modi nahi jayega" (Modi will not leave office). Kharge responded with, "Modi ka baap bhi jayega" (Even Modi's father will go), before asking the audience to settle down.

This remark drew criticism from BJP leaders, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who called it "indecent" and "abusive". Shah also alleged that the Congress party was losing support among its own workers and gaining animosity towards the Prime Minister's family. Similarly, Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary also demanded an apology from Kharge, the Congress party, and Rahul Gandhi for the derogatory remarks made against the Prime Minister's father.