The Defense Minister criticizes the Congress leader for his remarks against the Prime Minister

Union Defense Minister Rajnath Singh. File | Photo credit: ANI

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday (October 26, 2026) slammed Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge’s remarks about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s late father.

In a statement to the media, Mr. Singh said the Congress chief’s remarks had hurt the sentiments of millions of Indians. According to him, political opposition should remain limited to politics and should not violate personal and family decorum.

Describing Mr Kharge’s remarks at an event in Patna on Saturday (October 24) as a “reflection of the political culture and ideological decay of the Congress”, Mr Singh said that instead of admitting its mistake and expressing regret, the Congress was “busy justifying and defending the statement”.

He said that “greater seriousness, restraint, decency and responsible behavior” is expected of the Congress president in public life, and such remarks go against the “dignity of his office” and raise serious questions about the “political culture” of the Congress.

“Political opposition has its place, but such behavior cannot be acceptable under any circumstances. Until yesterday, some Congress leaders mocked Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s humble family background and even used foul language against his revered mother. Today, the same low-level politics has reached the highest levels of the Congress leadership,” he said.

“I believe this is not only an insult to an individual or a family, but also an attack on the dignity of Indian politics. In a democracy, oppose, question policies and criticize the government, but at least do not violate the boundaries of personal decorum,” Mr Singh said.

Published – 26 Oct 2026 13:26 IST