Kumaraswamy slams Kharge over remarks against Modi, demands apology

Bengaluru, Oct 26 : Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy on Monday strongly criticised Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge for his remarks concerning Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of lowering the standards of political discourse and demanding an unconditional apology to the Prime Minister.

In a strongly worded statement on social media platform X, Kumaraswamy described Kharge's remarks as derogatory and said they violated the basic norms of political decorum, particularly given the Congress president's long experience in public life.

Targeting Kharge over his reported reference to the Prime Minister's father, Kumaraswamy said bringing the family members of political opponents into public discourse was unacceptable and unbecoming of a senior leader.

"Despite his extensive seniority in public life, the pettiness displayed in his words is unforgivable," Kumaraswamy said, expressing concern over the impact of such remarks on the dignity of political debate.

Invoking the teachings of saint-poet Purandara Dasa, the Union Minister criticised what he termed inappropriate language and emphasised the importance of restraint and responsibility in public speech.

Kumaraswamy further accused the Congress president of displaying political desperation and described the controversy as a low point for the Congress party.

He urged Kharge to apologise to Modi, stating that a leader of his seniority and experience should uphold the dignity and decorum expected in public life.

The remarks have added to the ongoing political confrontation between the BJP-led alliance and the Congress, with the controversy bringing the conduct and accountability of senior political leaders in public discourse into focus.