New Delhi, Oct 26 Union minister Jitan Ram Manjhi criticised Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday over his remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying they reflect frustration and amount to setting aside political values for “cheap popularity”.
The remarks came a day after Kharge sparked a controversy with his statement, “Modi ka baap bhi jayega”, in response to an audience member who said the prime minister would not go anywhere.
The incident occurred during an event in Patna, where the Congress president addressed a programme organised to mark the 139th birth anniversary of Bihar’s first chief minister, Shrikrishna Singh. Responding to Kharge’s statement that the Congress would send those involved in alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls to jail, someone in the audience shouted that as long as there was no rebellion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi would never go anywhere. Kharge retorted, saying, “Modi ka baap bhi jayega.”
Speaking to reporters in the Parliament House complex, Manjhi said such personal remarks should not be made, particularly by a senior leader like Kharge, who is regarded as an experienced politician.
“We have repeatedly said that this reflects frustration. Political values are being cast aside in the name of cheap popularity. Everyone has condemned such remarks, including leaders of his own party. Such personal remarks should not be made,” Manjhi told reporters.
“I cannot believe that someone of Kharge’s age and stature, who is considered an experienced politician, could say something like this,” he said.
Manjhi alleged that Kharge might have made the remarks to please Rahul Gandhi, whom he accused of lacking maturity. “Perhaps Rahul Gandhi’s influence has rubbed off on him. Rahul Gandhi lacks maturity and says whatever comes to his mind. Perhaps Kharge made such remarks to please him. No matter how strongly this is condemned from the standpoint of national interest and morality, it will not be enough,” he said.
Asked about the Congress’s proposed rally in Delhi on November 1, Manjhi said the party has no public support and should reconsider holding such events. “They have grown tired of holding rallies. They have no public support. People have even served them notices, saying that whenever they hold such rallies, it causes losses worth thousands of crores of rupees. They should think for themselves what purpose these rallies will serve,” he said.
Manjhi alleged that the Congress is unconcerned about national interest and public welfare and is pursuing its own agenda. “We believe that such conduct is unacceptable. No matter how much we discourage and criticise them, it will not be enough,” he added.
(PTI News)
