Kharge writes to PM Modi, urges him to ‘discipline’ NDA leaders over objectionable remarks on Rahul Gandhi

The president of India's Congress party, Mallikarjun Kharge has raised the matter of highly "objectionable” and inappropriate comments made by members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) against Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the lower house of Indian Parliament (Lok Sabha), Rahul Gandhi, over his controversial remarks made during his recent US trip, in a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (September 17).

Kharge urged the prime minister to take action against BJP leaders who have used offensive language targeting Rahul Gandhi. He added that strict legal measures should be enforced to curb such behaviour.

Kharge wrote to the Prime Minister in Hindi, stating, "I want to draw your attention to an issue that is directly related to democracy and the Constitution. You must be aware that a series of extremely objectionable, violent, and rude statements are being made against the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi.”

Expressing shock over the harsh language used by BJP leaders and their allies, Kharge said, “The world is shocked that the Minister of State for Railways in the central government, a minister from BJP-ruled Uttar Pradesh, is calling the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha ‘number one terrorist’.” Kharge was referring to comments made by junior railways minister Ravneet Singh Bittu, and UP minister Raghuraj Singh.

Kharge further added, “An MLA from a party that has ties with your government in Maharashtra is announcing a reward of ₹11 lakh to the person who ‘cuts off the tongue of the Leader of the Opposition and brings it to him’. A BJP leader and former MLA in Delhi is threatening to make his ‘fate like his grandmother’."

Kharge referred to Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad’s announcement of a reward for anyone who cuts off Gandhi’s tongue in response to his views on reservations, and BJP leader Tarvinder Singh Marwah’s remarks.

Also read: Shiv Sena MLA offers Rs 11 lakh to ‘cut off’ Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s tongue after US visit comments

In his letter, Kharge said that India is globally known for its principles of non-violence, harmony, and compassion. "Our heroes established these as standards in politics. Gandhi ji had made these standards an important part of politics during the British rule itself. After independence, there has been a long history of respectful disagreements between the ruling party and the opposition in the parliamentary arena. This has worked to enhance the prestige of Indian democracy," he wrote.

He added that Congress leaders and workers are deeply troubled by the current situation. He said, "Due to such hate-mongering forces, Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi, Indira Gandhi, and Rajiv Gandhi had to sacrifice their lives. This political behaviour of the ruling party is an example of rudeness in democratic history.”

In his letter, Kharge further requested the PM that strict disciplinary action be taken on BJP leaders involved and urged them to refrain from such behaviour. "Strict legal action should be taken for such statements so that Indian politics can be prevented from becoming degenerate. Nothing untoward happens. I trust that you will give the required instructions to these leaders to immediately stop making violent statements," Kharge wrote.

(With inputs from agencies)