Controversy Erupts Over Abusive Slogans at Rahul Gandhi’s Bihar Yatra

A political controversy has erupted in Bihar following the circulation of a video showing individuals allegedly shouting abusive slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his late mother during a rally organized by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. The incident has drawn sharp criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), leading to widespread political fallout.

Abusive slogans hurled at PM Modi during Congress' Bihar Yatra event in Darbhanga | Image: News18

The Incident: Abusive Remarks at the Rally

The event in question was part of Rahul Gandhi's 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' in Darbhanga, Bihar. A video surfaced showing individuals on stage using derogatory language directed at Prime Minister Modi and his mother. The BJP condemned the incident, describing it as "extremely shameful" and accusing the Congress of allowing such behavior on their platform. Union Home Minister Amit Shah termed the incident as "a stain on our democracy," while other BJP leaders demanded an apology from Rahul Gandhi and his allies.

Congress's Response: Apology and Clarification

In response to the backlash, Youth Congress leader Mohammad Naushad, associated with the event, issued an apology. He claimed that he was not present when the remarks were made and suggested that the individual responsible was a minor who was stopped by others on the stage. Naushad emphasized that the incident was not reflective of the party's values and expressed regret over the occurrence.

Political Fallout: BJP's Criticism and Legal Action

The BJP has intensified its criticism, accusing the Congress of promoting disrespectful and divisive discourse. The party has filed a First Information Report (FIR) in connection with the incident and has vowed to hold the Congress-led INDIA alliance accountable in the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections. BJP leaders have also highlighted the presence of leaders like Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin and Telangana CM Revanth Reddy at the event, questioning their involvement in Bihar's politics.

Broader Implications: Election Campaigns and Public Sentiment

This incident adds to the ongoing political discourse surrounding the 'Voter Adhikar Yatra'. Earlier in the yatra, Rahul Gandhi accused the BJP-RSS of manipulating election results and disenfranchising vulnerable communities. The controversy over the abusive remarks has intensified political tensions ahead of the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections. The BJP has used the incident to rally support, emphasizing the need for decorum in political conduct.

Conclusion: A Test of Political Decorum

The abusive remarks during Rahul Gandhi's Bihar rally have sparked a significant political controversy, testing the limits of political decorum in India. While the Congress has issued an apology, the incident has raised questions about the conduct of political campaigns and the responsibilities of party leaders in maintaining respectful discourse. As the Bihar Assembly elections approach, this episode is likely to influence public perception and the political climate in the state.

(Sources: News18, NDTV, India Today)