Patna Erupts in BJP-Congress Clash Over PM Modi Insult

Tensions flared in Bihar’s capital as Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress workers clashed violently on Friday outside the Congress office in Patna. The confrontation was triggered by a protest from BJP members over alleged abusive remarks directed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his late mother during Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Voter Adhikar Yatra’ in Darbhanga, part of a campaign addressing alleged voter suppression ahead of Bihar’s upcoming assembly elections.

A viral video from the Darbhanga rally, organized by Congress leader Mohammad Naushad, captured a man draped in a Congress flag using a Hindi expletive against PM Modi from the stage. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, prompted swift action from Darbhanga Police, who arrested the accused, identified as Rizwi Raja, on Friday under Simri police station jurisdiction. The police have also launched a manhunt for others involved in the inflammatory remarks.

The BJP, led by ministers Sanjay Saraogi and Nitin Nabin, staged a protest march from Kurji Mor to the Congress headquarters at Sadaquat Ashram, condemning the remarks as an affront to Bihar’s values. The demonstration turned chaotic as workers from both parties engaged in a “flag war,” wielding party flags as makeshift weapons and pelting stones. Videos showed BJP workers kicking down the Congress office gates, while Congress workers accused the BJP of initiating the violence. Several vehicles were damaged, and minor injuries were reported.

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BJP leader Nitin Nabin vowed a strong response, stating, “Every son of Bihar will give a befitting reply to Congress for insulting a mother. We will take revenge for this.” In retaliation, Congress worker Dr. Ashutosh accused the BJP-led state government under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar of orchestrating the unrest, warning, “This is happening with the government’s involvement. A befitting reply will be given.”

Bihar CM Nitish Kumar condemned the abusive remarks as “extremely inappropriate,” aligning with the BJP’s demand for apologies from Rahul Gandhi and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, who also participated in the yatra. BJP President JP Nadda escalated the criticism, calling the incident a new low in political discourse and accusing the opposition of crossing “all limits of indecency.”

Congress, however, dismissed the allegations. Leader Pawan Khera claimed the BJP was inflating the issue to divert attention from pressing concerns like unemployment and inflation, labeling the controversy a distraction. Meanwhile, Mohammad Naushad, who organized the Darbhanga event, issued an apology, clarifying he had left the venue with Gandhi’s convoy before the remarks were made.

The BJP has filed multiple complaints, including an FIR against Rahul Gandhi at Kotwali police station in Patna, demanding accountability. The party’s Mahila Morcha also staged a protest, vowing to disrupt Gandhi’s planned roadshow in Patna on September 1. NDA allies, including JD(U), echoed the condemnation, with spokesperson Arvind Nishad calling the remarks a “shameful day for democracy.”

As Bihar gears up for elections, the clash underscores the deepening political divide, with both sides leveraging the incident to rally their bases. The controversy risks further escalation, threatening to overshadow the state’s electoral discourse.

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