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.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, sharpening her attack on the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists, called on women to stand up against any attempt to remove their names from the electoral roll. Addressing a gathering in Krishnagar, she alleged that the process was being misused to target voters ahead of elections.

Mamata accuses BJP of trying to intimidate women voters

Banerjee questioned the removal of names from the voter list under the SIR exercise, asserting that mothers and sisters of the state should not allow such actions to go unchecked. She said women possess the strength and the everyday tools used at home, urging them to be ready if their rights were undermined.

She alleged that attempts would be made to influence the electoral process by bringing police from outside the state and using fear tactics. Banerjee added that during elections, efforts were often made to divide people and misuse money power.

Reaffirming her stance on secularism, she said she wanted to see whether the women of Bengal or the BJP were “more powerful” in this fight.

As Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives in Delhi today for the India-Russia Annual Summit, Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi has renewed his charge that the Centre discourages visiting foreign leaders from meeting Opposition representatives. He called it a sign of “insecurity” within the government.

Rahul Gandhi alleges break in long-followed tradition

Speaking outside Parliament, Rahul Gandhi said that it has traditionally been the norm for visiting foreign leaders to meet the Leader of the Opposition, a practice he claims continued during the tenures of Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh.

He alleged that the present government advises foreign dignitaries against such meetings. “When foreign leaders come, the government suggests they should not meet the Leader of the Opposition. This is their policy,” Gandhi said. He added that a meeting with the Opposition offers visiting leaders a broader perspective, as “we too represent India.”

Gandhi further stated that this approach reflects the government’s reluctance to allow engagement between the Opposition and foreign guests.

Former Foreign Secretary counters Gandhi’s remarks

Responding to Gandhi’s allegations, former Foreign Secretary and Rajya Sabha MP Harsh Vardhan Shringla said visiting leaders operate on very tight schedules and there is no protocol mandating a meeting with the Leader of the Opposition. He stressed that such interactions depend entirely on the guest’s time and preference, noting that the required meetings are those with the President and the Prime Minister.

Putin’s schedule packed with bilateral engagements

Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to land in Delhi this evening on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s invitation. His itinerary includes:

• A private dinner with PM Modi
• Visit to Mahatma Gandhi’s memorial at Raj Ghat
• Engagements at Bharat Mandapam and Hyderabad House
• A banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu
  

The visit forms part of the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit.