The Congress leader’s defence comes as BJP leaders call for an apology over comments about Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
CHANDIGARH Congress general secretary K. C. Venugopal has defended party president Mallikarjun Kharge over remarks concerning Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying they should be understood as criticism of an ideology rather than a personal attack. Venugopal said he understood Kharge’s comments as referring to the ideological relationship between the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), not to the Prime Minister’s family.
The controversy followed Kharge’s speech in Patna on October 25 at an event marking the birth anniversary of Bihar’s first Chief Minister, Shri Krishna Singh. During remarks that included allegations about electoral irregularities and the Special Intensive Revision of voter rolls, an audience member commented about Modi remaining in office. Kharge’s response referred to Modi’s father and drew criticism.
BJP leaders condemned the wording, arguing that political criticism should not involve a leader’s family. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also criticised the remarks, and the BJP announced protests demanding an apology. Congress leaders have rejected that interpretation and defended Kharge’s intent.
Venugopal also referred to a reported purification ceremony held by a right-wing group after Kharge attended an event in Uttarakhand in August. He connected the incident to what he described as the treatment of a leader from a marginalised background. The episode remains part of the broader political disagreement, with the parties offering differing interpretations.
Venugopal made the comments while attending organisational meetings with Punjab Congress leaders ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections. He also confirmed Rahul Gandhi’s planned November 4 rally in Sangrur.