NEW DELHI: A fresh political row erupted on Friday after Karnataka Minister and senior Congress leader Priyank Kharge took a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, linking him to “bhajan” sessions, which drew a sharp counterattack from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
The controversy began when Mr Kharge, while addressing an event, purportedly remarked on the leadership style and public engagements of Prime Minister Modi, using the reference of devotional songs (bhajans) in a critical context.
The BJP was quick to condemn the remarks, accusing the Congress party of insulting faith, Hindu traditions, and the Prime Minister. Senior saffron party leaders asserted that the opposition has run out of developmental issues to debate and has resorted to attacking cultural practices and personal beliefs to stay relevant.
“The Congress party’s hatred for Prime Minister Narendra Modi has now crossed lines and is targeting sacred traditions. Calling devotional songs or spiritual expressions into ridicule shows their anti-Hindu mindset,” a senior BJP spokesperson said during a press conference.
Defending their leader, Congress functionaries stated that the remarks were meant to highlight governance priorities rather than target any religious practice, accusing the ruling party of intentionally twisting statements to polarize the discourse.
The war of words adds to the escalating political friction between the ruling party and the opposition as both sides gear up for ongoing political battles in the state and at the national level.