BJP Demands Sonia Gandhi's Apology Over Congress Workers' 'Grave' Slogans Against PM Modi

New Delhi:

A significant controversy has emerged following derogatory slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a Congress rally in Jaipur, Rajasthan, with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) insisting that senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi issue an apology.

During a 'Vote Chor Gaddi Chhod' rally organized to highlight the Opposition's allegations of "vote theft" against the BJP on Sunday, a group led by Manju Lata Meena, Jaipur women's Congress district president, was heard shouting 'kabar' (grave) slogans targeting PM Modi.

When journalists later questioned her about these remarks, Meena defended her statement, explaining that she was merely expressing the public's anger regarding vote theft. "He (PM Modi) doesn't address employment, youth, women, or farmers. He diverts attention from the important issues," she stated.

Her comments sparked outrage, with Union Minister JP Nadda calling on Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge to apologize.

"The slogan directed against PM Modi at yesterday's Congress rally demonstrates the party's true mindset. Wishing for the death of our nation's prime minister is utterly reprehensible," Nadda declared while addressing the Rajya Sabha on Monday.

"For this inappropriate language, the Leader of the Opposition and Sonia Gandhi, who is present here, should apologize to the country," he insisted.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju also demanded apologies from Kharge, who serves as Congress president, and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, who conducted a 'Vote Chor Gaddi Chhod' rally in Delhi on Sunday.

"They (Kharge and Gandhi) should offer an apology on the floor of both Houses of Parliament. It is deeply unfortunate and disturbing that Congress workers openly declared intentions to dig Prime Minister Modi's grave," Rijiju, the parliamentary affairs minister, stated during a press conference.

He emphasized that Congress and BJP workers are political competitors, not enemies. "We oppose each other in different ways. We never contemplate killing each other, nor do we discuss such things. What kind of mentality leads to openly threatening political rivals?" he questioned.

Congress MP Manickam Tagore claimed their rally had "rattled" BJP leaders. "They couldn't sleep last night," he told NDTV when asked about Nadda's demand for Gandhi's apology.

Congress allies, the Samajwadi Party and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), distanced themselves from the controversial remarks.

"While we may have political disagreements, we should exercise restraint when speaking about individuals holding constitutional positions," Samajwadi Party MP Rajeev Rai stated.

NCP (SP) leader Jayant Patil noted it was "not right" to make such slogans. "Regardless of differences, he (Narendra Modi) is the Prime Minister," he added.