A protest erupted in Patna, Bihar, on Friday, as BJP and Congress workers clashed amidst the fallout of offensive remarks made against Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s mother at RJD and Congress rallies in Darbhanga. The Bihar BJP initiated a protest march from Kurji Holy Family Hospital, which snaked through various streets and neighborhoods before concluding at the Congress state office, Sadaqat Ashram. The march was fueled by outrage over the perceived insults directed towards women, with demonstrators vocally condemning the RJD and Congress.
During the march, a confrontation ensued between BJP and Congress workers near the Congress office, marked by reports of baton charges. The area around Sadaqat Ashram became a scene of clashes for approximately an hour. Multiple injuries were reported among workers from both sides. Minister Nitin Navin condemned the actions of the RJD and Congress, stating they had insulted the Prime Minister’s mother.
Minister Sanjay Sarawgi condemned the act, asserting that Bihar would not tolerate the insult to anyone’s mother. He highlighted the Prime Minister’s tireless dedication to serving 140 crore citizens and characterized the offensive comments as a display of the RJD-Congress’s low standards. Sarawgi further criticized the Mahagathbandhan’s alleged descent into using offensive language towards the Prime Minister’s deceased mother, which he considered an attack on the dignity of all Indian mothers. MLA Sanjeev Chaurasia emphasized that while Congress might embrace such insults, the people of Bihar would not tolerate disrespect towards women, as every mother is deserving of respect.
RJD spokesperson Chittaranjan Gagan vehemently condemned the attack by BJP workers on the Congress office in Sadaqat Ashram, labeling it a cowardly act. Gagan insisted that anyone using offensive language against the Prime Minister should face consequences. He emphasized the RJD’s long-standing commitment to maintaining proper conduct and language in politics. He criticized the Bihar government ministers for allegedly orchestrating a premeditated 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 jointly criticized the Congress and RJD, attributing the opposition’s actions to an impending defeat in the upcoming elections. They accused the opposition leaders of resorting to abusive language instead of focusing on constructive debates about development, as their political footing weakens.
They expressed concern that the opposition’s deteriorating political standards were no longer limited to the Prime Minister but extended to his mother. They viewed this as an insult to the Prime Minister and the sentiments of the entire nation. They underscored that democracy thrives on the exchange of ideas, not on personal attacks and abusive language. They considered the actions an affront to Bihar’s political culture and the public’s expectations.
Maoist party 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. Jha further alleged 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 by BJP ministers and MLAs, 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.