The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) launched coordinated nationwide demonstrations on Monday, October 26, 2026, protesting what it termed “derogatory” remarks made by Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s late father.
Party workers, state leaders, and Union Ministers organized marches and sit-ins across at least 14 states and Union Territories, demanding a formal public apology from the Congress leadership, as reported in The Hindu's national coverage.
Demonstrations in the National Capital and State Hubs
In New Delhi, party cadres assembled near the Sena Bhawan Circle and marched toward Rajaji Marg, adjacent to Kharge’s official residence. Union Minister of State Harsh Malhotra joined the demonstration alongside Delhi unit leaders.
In Bihar, BJP state chief Sanjay Saraogi led a “Jan Akrosh March” through the streets of Patna, while in Uttar Pradesh, Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak publicly condemned the remarks in Lucknow, stating that personal attacks on the Prime Minister’s family violate political decorum.
Other states witnessing major party mobilization included:
Prominent figures including Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and Union Minister of State Arjun Ram Meghwal also issued public statements demanding accountability from the opposition leadership.
- Karnataka: Party cadres staged a mass sit-in at Freedom Park in Bengaluru.
- Kerala: State BJP president Rajeev Chandrasekhar led a protest rally in Thiruvananthapuram.
- Jammu & Kashmir: The Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) organized street demonstrations criticizing the opposition's rhetoric.
- Odisha: Protesters gathered outside the Congress state office in Bhubaneswar.
Photographic Documentation
Narendra Modi — verified documentary press visual.
Summary of Key Protest Locations and Leaders
| Region / State | Protest Format | Key Leaders & Participants |
|---|---|---|
| New Delhi | March near Sena Bhawan & Rajaji Marg | Union MoS Harsh Malhotra, local party leadership |
| Bihar (Patna) | "Jan Akrosh March" | State BJP Chief Sanjay Saraogi |
| Uttar Pradesh (Lucknow) | Media address & public demonstration | Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak |
| Karnataka (Bengaluru) | Dharna at Freedom Park | State unit office-bearers |
| Kerala (Thiruvananthapuram) | Street demonstration | State BJP President Rajeev Chandrasekhar |
| Jammu & Kashmir | Youth outreach demonstration | Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) cadres |
Political Repercussions
The simultaneous protests across Maharashtra, West Bengal, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh reflect a concerted push by the ruling party to highlight political discourse standards ahead of upcoming regional legislative contests. Further details on the nationwide party coordination were documented by The Hindu's political bureau.
As of Tuesday, October 27, 2026, the Indian National Congress had not issued an official clarification or apology regarding the disputed remarks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggered the BJP's nationwide protests?
The protests were organized in response to statements made by Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge concerning Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s late father, which the BJP categorized as derogatory.
Where were the protests held?
Demonstrations occurred in New Delhi, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, West Bengal, Telangana, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh.
What is the primary demand of the BJP?
The party is demanding an unconditional public apology from Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge and the wider Congress leadership.
