A political controversy has erupted after a slogan referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “grave” was raised during a Congress rally in Jaipur, prompting the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to demand an apology from senior Congress leaders, including Sonia Gandhi.

The slogan was raised at a ‘Vote Chor Gaddi Chhod’ rally held in Rajasthan’s capital, where Manju Lata Meena, Jaipur women’s Congress district president, led a group chanting the remark against the Prime Minister. The rally was organised to highlight the Opposition’s allegations of vote theft against the BJP.

When questioned later, Meena defended her statement, saying it reflected public anger over alleged electoral issues. She also accused the Prime Minister of diverting attention from concerns related to employment, youth, women and farmers.

BJP seeks apology from Congress leadership

The remarks triggered sharp reactions from the ruling party. BJP president and Union minister JP Nadda raised the issue in the Rajya Sabha, calling the slogan highly objectionable and accusing the Congress of revealing its mindset through such language. He demanded an apology from Sonia Gandhi, chairperson of the Congress Parliamentary Party, and Mallikarjun Kharge, the Leader of the Opposition in the Upper House.

Union minister Kiren Rijiju also criticised the slogan, saying political rivals are not enemies and such statements cross acceptable boundaries. Addressing a press conference, he urged Kharge and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi to apologise on the floor of both Houses of Parliament. Rijiju said it was unfortunate that Congress workers were using language that appeared to incite violence against a constitutional authority.

Congress response and allies’ reactions

Congress MP Manickam Tagore dismissed the BJP’s reaction, claiming that the rally had unsettled ruling party leaders. He said the response from BJP leaders showed they were rattled by the Opposition’s campaign.

However, some of Congress’s allies distanced themselves from the slogan. A Samajwadi Party MP said political differences should not translate into disrespectful language for those holding constitutional posts. A senior leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (SP) also termed the slogan inappropriate, stating that regardless of political disagreements, the Prime Minister’s position must be respected.

The episode has added to the ongoing war of words between the BJP and the Congress, with both sides trading accusations as Parliament’s Winter Session continues.

The Central government has introduced a new legislation in Parliament that seeks to replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGA), setting the stage for a political confrontation during the ongoing Winter Session.

The proposed law, titled The Viksit Bharat Guarantee For Rozgar And Ajeevika Mission (Grameen), has been abbreviated as VB G RAM G. To ensure its passage, a whip has been issued, asking ruling party MPs to remain present in the House.

According to the government, the Bill introduces a fresh framework aligned with the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, aimed at strengthening employment and livelihood support in rural areas.

What changes under the new Bill

MGNREGA, launched in 2005 under the previous UPA government, guarantees 100 days of employment to rural households and has remained a key rural welfare programme for nearly two decades.

Under the new VB G RAM G Bill, the government has proposed increasing the guaranteed employment period from 100 days to 125 days. The legislation also seeks to streamline wage payments, mandating that workers receive payments within seven to 15 days after completing assigned work.

The Bill further includes a provision for unemployment allowance if payments are not released within the stipulated timeframe, adding an accountability mechanism to the payment process.

Political implications

The introduction of the Bill during the Winter Session is expected to trigger intense debate, given MGNREGA’s long-standing role in rural employment and poverty alleviation. The government maintains that the new legislation is designed to modernise and expand the scope of employment guarantees under a restructured mission framework.

Lionel Messi’s much-anticipated appearance in Kolkata turned chaotic on Saturday after thousands of fans alleged mismanagement at the Yuva Bharati Krirangan, leaving many unable to even see the Argentine football icon despite holding high-priced tickets

Fans express anger over limited access

The Kolkata leg of the G.O.A.T. Tour was billed as a special moment for Indian football fans, with ticket prices ranging between Rs 5,000 and Rs 25,000. However, discontent grew rapidly inside the stadium as several attendees claimed their view of Messi was obstructed by security personnel and invited guests positioned close to him.

As frustration mounted, some fans resorted to throwing chairs and bottles from the stands, forcing organisers to intervene and cut the programme short.

Event cut short amid disorder

Messi reached the venue around 11:15 am and remained there for roughly 20 minutes. He was expected to take a full lap of the stadium, but that plan was abandoned as the situation deteriorated soon after he emerged from the tunnel.

The disorder also meant that prominent personalities, including actor Shah Rukh Khan, former India cricket captain Sourav Ganguly and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, could not participate in the programme as scheduled.

Organisers whisk Messi away

With fans breaching security and some vandalising canopies set up at the Salt Lake Stadium, the organisers, along with security personnel, escorted Messi out of the venue to prevent further escalation.

Several attendees described the event as poorly organised, with some fans calling it an “absolute disgrace” and blaming mismanagement for spoiling what was meant to be a celebratory occasion.

Mamata Banerjee apologises, orders enquiry

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee later issued a public apology to Messi and the fans, expressing shock over the mismanagement. She announced the formation of an enquiry committee headed by retired Justice Ashim Kumar Ray, with senior state officials as members.

The committee has been tasked with conducting a detailed probe, fixing responsibility and suggesting steps to ensure such incidents are not repeated in the future.