BJP protest against Mallikarjun Kharge in Bengaluru

BJP leaders R. Ashok, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy and party workers stage a protest in Bengaluru on Monday. | Photo credit: PTI

Several BJP leaders and party workers were arrested by the Bengaluru police on Monday after their protest march against AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge’s remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi was stopped outside Freedom Park. They were later released.

It was part of a nationwide protest organized by the party in response to Mr Kharge’s remarks during a public address in Patna, which the BJP claimed were derogatory towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi. BJP leaders demanded an unconditional public apology from the Congress chief. Responding to claims from the audience that Mr. Modi would not go anywhere, during the birth anniversary celebrations of Bihar’s first Chief Minister, the late Krishna Singh, Mr. Kharge said, “Modi Ka Baap Bhi Jayega (even Mr. Modi’s father will go).

Leader of Opposition in Legislative Assembly R. Ashok; Leader of Opposition in Legislative Council Chalavadi Narayanaswamy; Lahar Singh Siroya, Rajya Sabha MP; and former deputy chief minister CN Ashwath Narayan led scores of party workers in a dharna at Freedom Park.

Tensions prevailed as protesters attempted to move beyond the designated protest area and march onto an adjacent main road. The police officers on the spot blocked their way with roadblocks. When some protesters reportedly tried to push through the barricades, the police intervened and arrested senior BJP leaders and several party workers. They were subsequently taken away in police cars and later released.

Addressing the protesters, Mr Ashok mocked the father-son duo (Mr Kharge and Home Minister Priyank Kharge) and said they were responsible for the party’s debacle at the national and state levels. “Mr. Kharge should not have stooped to this level. He has difficulty in walking and similarly Congress which also cannot walk is going with Cockroach Janata Party. His statement shows the low culture of Congress.” He said that Mr Kharge was speaking out of anger and jealousy towards Mr Modi. “Mr. Kharge has lost his mental balance. If he has any self-respect, he must apologize.”

Addressing presspersons, BJP state president BY Vijayendra said, “Mr. Kharge spoke lightly of the Prime Minister. This shows the frustration and mindset of the Congress and its leaders. The Congress is unable to accept Mr. Modi’s re-election for the third time.”

Meanwhile, in a statement, Industries Minister HD Kumaraswamy also attacked Mr. Kharge for his remarks, terming them not only derogatory but also a breach of political decorum. “His words reflect his hidden cruel mindset. His statement against Mr Modi’s father is intolerable. Despite his long public life, the pettiness shown in his words is unforgivable. He must apologise,” Mr Kumaraswamy said.

Published – 26 Oct 2026 19:01 IST