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New Delhi : Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday decried Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi as “extremely unfortunate” and said it reflects that the main opposition party has not just suffered a political downfall but an ideological downfall as well.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday sparked a controversy with his remarks “Modi ka baap bhi jayega”, in response to an audience member’s comment that “the PM would not go anywhere”, during an event in Bihar’s Patna.
The incident took place while Kharge, who is also Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, was speaking at the programme to celebrate the 139th birth anniversary of Bihar’s first chief minister, Shrikrishna Singh.
Singh said 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”.
“I believe this is not merely an insult to an individual or a family, but an attack on the dignity of Indian politics” he said.
“Political opposition is one thing, but this kind of conduct cannot be acceptable under any circumstances,” Singh said, adding, “Oppose in a democracy, question policies, criticise the government, but at least do not breach personal boundaries. This is what I would like to suggest.”
Singh said, given the position Kharge holds, he is expected to demonstrate “greater seriousness, restraint, dignity and responsible conduct 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 added.
Singh said Kharge’s remarks reflect that the Congress has suffered not just a political downfall, but an ideological downfall as well.
The standard of Congress politics is declining every day, he said.
“I want to make it clear to the Congress that Prime Minister Modi can neither be distracted by such remarks, nor can his resolve to serve the public be weakened in any way,” he added.
Singh also slammed the Congress for attempting to “justify” Kharge’s remark and defend him, instead of “accepting the mistake and expressing regret”.
“The Congress should remember that in a democracy, the public keeps account of everything and gives a fitting reply when the time comes,” he added. (Agencies)
