A political storm erupted in Bihar after a derogatory remark against Prime Minister Narendra Modi triggered massive protests. On Friday, BJP workers took to the streets of Patna in large numbers, marching towards the Congress headquarters at Sadaqat Ashram. The protest soon turned violent when BJP and Congress workers clashed near the premises, leading to chaos, stone-pelting, and destruction of vehicles.
Background of the Controversy
The controversy began on Wednesday in Darbhanga, when during a public program hosted by Congress leader Naushad Alam, offensive language was allegedly used against Prime Minister Modi, targeting his late mother. The comment sparked outrage within the BJP, which accused the Congress of crossing all limits of political decency.
By Friday, the matter had escalated into a full-blown political confrontation. BJP leaders in Bihar announced a massive protest against the Congress party and marched towards its Patna office.
BJP’s Protest March in Patna
On Friday morning, BJP leaders and workers, including several women, gathered in large numbers at Kurji Hospital in Patna. From there, they began a protest march towards the Congress headquarters at Sadaqat Ashram.
The march included senior Bihar ministers Sanjay Saraogi and Nitin Navin, who accused the Congress of insulting the Prime Minister’s late mother. According to BJP leaders, the protest was meant to demand an apology from the Congress leadership and to condemn the use of abusive language in political discourse.
As the march moved closer to Sadaqat Ashram, the anger of BJP workers was visible. Slogans against the Congress were raised, and the situation grew tense.
Violent Clash at Sadaqat Ashram
When the BJP march reached near the Congress office, workers from both sides came face to face. Tensions escalated quickly as BJP workers tried to enter the Congress premises. Congress workers resisted and the situation spiraled out of control.
Reports confirm that sticks and rods were used during the clash. Several vehicles parked in the area were damaged, with window panes smashed. Both BJP and Congress supporters accused each other of initiating the violence.
BJP workers claimed that stones were pelted from inside the Congress office, injuring several protestors. Many BJP workers were taken to Kurji Hospital for treatment. On the other hand, Congress workers alleged that BJP supporters forcefully entered their office and began vandalizing property, leaving them with no choice but to retaliate.
Statements from Political Leaders
Minister Sanjay Saraogi, who joined the protest, strongly condemned the abuse directed at PM Modi’s late mother. He alleged that Congress workers, instead of apologizing, attacked BJP protestors with sticks and stones. He also stated that many BJP workers sustained injuries and required hospitalization.
Nitin Navin echoed similar sentiments, accusing the Congress of shielding undisciplined workers who had insulted the Prime Minister. He argued that such behavior shows the frustration of the opposition and must be condemned by all.
Meanwhile, Congress workers maintained that BJP activists stormed their office and started vandalizing property. According to them, their resistance was only a defensive act to protect their premises.
Escalating Political Tensions in Bihar
The clash has deepened political fault lines in Bihar. BJP leaders declared that the Congress must take full responsibility for the remarks made against PM Modi. They demanded immediate action against the leader from whose platform the abusive comment was made.
Congress leaders, however, countered by accusing the BJP of deliberately escalating the situation for political mileage ahead of elections. They argued that while abusive language should not have been used, the BJP’s aggressive street protest was aimed at creating chaos rather than seeking resolution.
Public Reaction and Security Concerns
The violent scenes near Sadaqat Ashram created panic among local residents. Many shopkeepers shut down their businesses as clashes intensified. The sound of slogans, smashing glass, and sticks clashing created an atmosphere of fear.
Police forces were later deployed to bring the situation under control and to prevent further escalation. Authorities have promised a detailed investigation into the violence, including examining CCTV footage to identify those responsible for vandalism and assaults.
The Larger Political Context
The incident has become a flashpoint in Bihar’s political landscape. With upcoming elections in the state, the clash between BJP and Congress has intensified the political rivalry.
Analysts believe that both parties will use this confrontation to mobilize their respective bases. For BJP, the focus is on portraying itself as the defender of PM Modi’s honor and dignity. For Congress, the narrative revolves around protecting its workers and accusing BJP of resorting to aggression.
The involvement of state ministers like Sanjay Saraogi and Nitin Navin shows the seriousness with which BJP is treating the matter. On the other hand, the Congress is expected to escalate its defense, possibly organizing counter-protests in the coming days.
Media Coverage and Public Debate
The incident has dominated headlines across Bihar and beyond. News channels repeatedly aired footage of the clashes, showing BJP workers storming the gates of the Congress office and being resisted by Congress workers with sticks. The images of broken car windows, injured activists, and chaos on the streets have sparked widespread debate.
On social media, hashtags related to PM Modi, Congress, and the Patna clash trended throughout the day. Supporters of both sides exchanged heated arguments online, further amplifying the controversy.
The Road Ahead
With investigations pending, both political parties are unlikely to soften their stance. BJP has announced that it will continue its protests until action is taken against the Congress leader involved in the Darbhanga incident.
Congress, meanwhile, has accused BJP of lawlessness and demanded that the state government take action against those responsible for vandalism at Sadaqat Ashram.
The coming days are expected to witness further protests, political rallies, and war of words between the two national parties.
The clash between BJP and Congress workers in Patna over derogatory remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi has added a new dimension to Bihar’s political tensions. What began as a protest march soon turned violent, leading to injuries, property damage, and accusations from both sides.
The incident highlights the fragile nature of political discourse in Bihar, where heated rhetoric quickly translates into street confrontations. With elections approaching, the incident is likely to remain a talking point, shaping campaign narratives and voter sentiment in the state.
