Party workers of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress clashed in Patna on Friday during a protest held by the BJP against alleged abusive remarks directed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his late mother during a rally in Darbhanga.
The situation quickly turned violent, with workers from both parties seen attacking each other with party flags. Stones were also reportedly thrown during the confrontation, escalating tensions in the heart of the city.
Deputy Superintendent of Police (Law and Order), Krishna Murari Prasad, confirmed that stone pelting had occurred and that a full investigation would follow. “Stone pelting has occurred. We will conduct a detailed inquiry, and if there has been any loss of property, a formal complaint will be filed at the police station,” he said.
“As soon as we received information about the incident, we took prompt action. Nearby police stations were informed and directed to reach the spot. We will speak to the local police to determine the timeline of events," added Krishna Murari Prasad.
The unrest was sparked by a viral video showing individuals using offensive language against the Prime Minister and his mother from the stage of a Congress rally in Darbhanga. The rally, part of the 'Voter Adhikar Yatra', is being led by Congress MP Rahul Gandhi alongside RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav.
Reacting to the incident, BJP MLA Nitin Nabin accused Congress of disrespecting a mother figure and vowed retaliation.
“Every son of Bihar will give a befitting reply to Congress for insulting a mother,” said Nabin. “We will take revenge for this.”
Congress, however, denied involvement in the remarks. Party spokesperson Pawan Khera claimed the comments were made by individuals linked to the BJP in an attempt to manufacture controversy and distract from the Opposition’s campaign. “This remark has been made by their own agent,” said Khera. “They just want to create an issue so they can divert attention from our Yatra. Their theft has been caught, and now they’re frustrated.”
Khera further questioned the identity of those seen in the video, adding, “Find out who that person is who was arrested, whose man he is. The public is watching everything, and the entire country is watching the BJP’s goondaism.”
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar also issued a strong condemnation of the incident. “During the Voter Adhikar Yatra in Darbhanga, the use of highly inappropriate language against the Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and his late mother from the platform of Congress and RJD is utterly deplorable, and I condemn it,” he posted on X.
In response to the viral clip, former Indian Youth Congress National Secretary Mohd Naushad also issued an apology, distancing the party from the remarks. “We would never stoop to such cheap and disgraceful behaviour,” he said. “I condemn such remarks made against the Prime Minister, but it is possible this was done by the opposition or people with vested interests.”
