Amidst an ongoing political row, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched a strong counter-attack against the Congress party, responding to what he characterized as insults directed at him and his late mother. Modi, speaking at an event in Assam, declared that he is a devotee of Lord Shiva and possesses the ability to "swallow the poison" of abuses, vowing to endure personal attacks but not tolerate disrespect towards others.
The Prime Minister has been actively targeting the Congress party, particularly concerning verbal abuses allegedly made during a recent political campaign in Bihar. A video circulating on social media purportedly showed unidentified individuals hurling abuses at Modi and his late mother from a stage associated with a rally led by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav.
Modi voiced his pain and anguish, stating that the remarks were not only an insult to him but to "every mother, sister, and daughter of the country". He emphasized the importance of a mother's role in shaping individuals and instilling values, asserting that insulting a mother is a grave offense. He also highlighted that his mother had no connection to politics and questioned why she was dragged into the controversy and subjected to abuse.
"Mother is our world. Mother is our self-respect," Modi declared, expressing how deeply hurt he was by the incident. He recounted how his mother had distanced himself from her so that he could dedicate his life to serving the nation.
In response to the controversy, the BJP condemned the remarks, criticized Rahul Gandhi, and lodged a police complaint. A person was arrested in connection with the incident and later apologized. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar also criticized the abusive language.
Modi also accused Congress of opposing the Bharat Ratna honour for Assam’s Bhupen Hazarika. Referring to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge's remarks back in 2019, PM Modi said that he can tolerate “gaaliyan” (abuses) hurled at him but not at 'Bhupen Da'. He said he was “deeply hurt” at Mallikarjun Kharge's remarks when the latter questioned Bharat Ratna for a singer instead of late spiritual leader Dr Shivakumara Swami of Karnataka.
The Prime Minister also touched upon other issues, accusing the Congress of prioritizing vote banks over national interests and being a protector of "anti-nationals and infiltrators". He criticized the party's alleged encouragement of infiltration and claimed they want infiltrators to settle in the country permanently. He contrasted this with his government's efforts to build infrastructure and combat terrorism.
