A significant political controversy has erupted in Bihar following the offensive comments made in Darbhanga concerning the late mother of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The BJP and the NDA are actively capitalizing on the situation to gain political advantage. In a move to counter the growing influence of the Mahagathbandhan, particularly their ‘Voter Adhikar Yatra,’ the ruling NDA has devised a specific strategy. The NDA has decided to call for a Bihar bandh on September 4th to protest the controversial remarks.
The announcement was made at a joint press conference held on Tuesday in Patna at the BJP’s state office, attended by the state presidents of all NDA coalition partners. Participants included Dr. Dilip Jaiswal, BJP state president; Anil Kumar, HAM party state president; Umesh Singh Kushwaha, Janata Dal United state president; Raju Tiwari, Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) state president; and Madan Chaudhary, in-charge state president of the Rashtriya Lok Morcha. Additionally, representatives from the NDA’s women’s wings were present, including Baby Kumari, Vice President of the BJP Mahila Morcha; Dr. Bharti Mehta, State President of Janata Dal United’s Women’s Wing; Kumari Shobha Sinha, State President of Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas)’s Women’s Wing; and Smriti Kushwaha from the Rashtriya Lok Morcha Women’s Wing.
Dr. Dilip Jaiswal, BJP state president, strongly condemned the abusive language used against PM Modi and his late mother, which occurred at events organized by the Congress and RJD in Darbhanga. He stated that these remarks were not only reprehensible but also a disgrace to democracy and the people of Bihar. He emphasized the sanctity of motherhood, irrespective of political affiliation, and questioned the audacity of using such offensive language from a political platform.
He further elaborated that the NDA’s decision to hold a Bihar bandh on September 4th was a direct response to the derogatory comments. This bandh aims to be a public display of opposition to the statements made by the RJD and Congress. The bandh will take place from 7 am to 12 pm, with exemptions for emergency services and rail operations.
Dr. Jaiswal urged the public to support the Bihar bandh on September 4th, arguing that it was a necessary step to counteract the actions of the RJD and Congress. He also mentioned that the women’s wings of the NDA parties would be leading the bandh.
Umesh Singh Kushwaha criticized the offensive language used, calling it a stain on democratic traditions. He highlighted the respect accorded to mothers in Indian culture and expressed disappointment that no leaders from the Mahagathbandhan had offered a public apology. He questioned their motives and perceived arrogance.
Raju Tiwari stated that the language employed reflected the speakers’ values and culture, recalling similar rhetoric used against Chirag Paswan’s family in 2024. He criticized the disrespect shown towards the concept of motherhood.
Dr. Anil Kumar voiced his strong disapproval of the comments, highlighting the fear they had instilled in the people of Bihar. He referenced the past ‘jungle raj’ and the importance of honoring mothers.
Madan Chaudhary voiced his support for the bandh, emphasizing respect for all mothers. He stated that the Rashtriya Lok Morcha’s women’s wing would participate fully. Dr. Bharti Mehta condemned the remarks, stating that they were an insult to the nation and called for support for the bandh.