In a recent event marking Dr. Krishna Singh’s birth anniversary in Patna, Madhya Pradesh minister Vishvas Sarang took aim at Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge for his disparaging remarks about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s late parents. (Pic Credit: ANI)

Madhya Pradesh minister Vishvas Sarang on Monday criticised Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge over his remarks referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s late parents, describing the language as “unforgivable” and accusing the Congress of disregarding Indian values and traditions.According to the news agency ANI, Sarang alleged that Kharge had crossed all limits and claimed that the remarks reflected the Congress’s political frustration.“The Congress is constantly acting against our values and traditions. The language used about Narendra Modi ji’s late mother and father is unforgivable. Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi and other Congress leaders have also made objectionable remarks about the Prime Minister’s late mother and insulted her previously. Kharge ji crossed all limits yesterday,” Sarang said.He further questioned the appropriateness of such remarks from an experienced political leader, arguing that Indian cultural traditions call for respect when referring to the deceased.“Such behaviour is not expected from a person aged 70, 75 or 80. He used those words not once, but three times. Kharge ji, you are breaking traditions. This is a highly condemnable act. Don’t you understand the traditions of India? In our culture, such language is not used for a deceased person,” the minister said.Sarang also maintained that political disagreements with the Prime Minister should not justify the use of such language. He accused the Congress of allowing political frustration to influence its public statements.“You may have political differences with Narendra Modi ji, but how far will you take politics? This reflects the Congress’s frustration. Kharge ji has torn apart our traditions. This is disgusting, and I feel disgusted by it,” he added.The Madhya Pradesh minister also expressed displeasure over the Congress’s alleged failure to respond to the controversy within 24 hours, calling the silence unfortunate.

“Even after 24 hours, there has been no response from the Congress. This is very unfortunate,” Sarang said.

Controversy erupts at Patna event

The controversy began on Sunday when Kharge addressed an event in Patna marking the 139th birth anniversary of Dr Krishna Singh, Bihar’s first Chief Minister.During the programme, an attendee interrupted the Congress president, saying that Prime Minister Modi would not go anywhere. In response, Kharge reportedly said from the stage, “Modi ka baap bhi jayega” (Even Modi’s father will have to go).The remark drew sharp criticism from senior BJP leaders and union ministers, who accused the Congress of lowering the standards of political discourse and attributed the statement to electoral frustration.