Bihar Bandh on September 4: NDA Condemns Remarks Against PM Modi’s Mother

The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has called for a complete shutdown in Bihar on September 4, 2025, to protest derogatory remarks made against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his late mother during an opposition-led event in Darbhanga. The controversy stems from the Voter Adhikar Yatra, a rally organized by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav, which concluded on September 1. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), a key NDA constituent, has strongly condemned the remarks, labeling them an insult to all mothers and sisters across India. The bandh, scheduled from 7 AM to 12 noon, will exempt essential services and railways, ensuring minimal disruption to critical operations.

The Incident That Sparked Outrage

The controversy erupted during the Voter Adhikar Yatra in Darbhanga, where a stage was set up for opposition leaders Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav. Before their arrival, unidentified individuals reportedly climbed onto the stage and used abusive language targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his late mother. A video of the incident, which surfaced on social media, went viral, prompting widespread outrage among BJP supporters and the general public. The BJP has filed an FIR at Kotwali Police Station in Patna, demanding an apology from Congress and RJD leaders. The accused, identified as Mohammad Rizvi alias Raza, was arrested in Darbhanga following the incident.

The remarks have been condemned as not only a personal attack on the Prime Minister but also an affront to the cultural values of Bihar and India, where respect for mothers holds deep significance. The BJP has accused the opposition of resorting to “undemocratic and indecent” tactics, particularly in the context of the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections, where such controversies could sway public sentiment.

Prime Minister Modi’s Emotional Response

Addressing a virtual BJP meeting in Bihar on September 2, 2025, shortly after returning from his international engagements in Japan and China, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep pain over the incident. “My mother did nothing in politics. But in Bihar, she was insulted on the RJD-Congress platform. They have not only insulted my mother but also the mothers and sisters of the country,” Modi said, his voice cracking with emotion. He emphasized that while he might forgive the opposition, the people of Bihar would not tolerate such disrespect.

Modi’s speech resonated deeply with attendees, including Bihar BJP President Dilip Jaiswal, who was visibly moved to tears. The Prime Minister’s remarks underscored the cultural reverence for mothers in India, framing the opposition’s actions as an attack on societal values. He also highlighted his personal sacrifices, noting that his mother had “separated him” so he could serve the nation, adding a poignant dimension to the controversy.

NDA’s Call for Bihar Bandh

In response to the derogatory remarks, the NDA announced a five-hour statewide bandh in Bihar on September 4, from 7 AM to 12 noon. The shutdown, led by the BJP’s Mahila Morcha, aims to send a strong message against the opposition’s actions. Bihar BJP President Dilip Jaiswal, addressing the media on September 3, described the remarks as “a grave sin” and an insult to the women of Bihar. He emphasized that the bandh would be peaceful, with exemptions for railways and emergency services to ensure minimal disruption to essential operations.

The NDA’s decision to call for a bandh reflects the political intensity surrounding the issue, especially with the Bihar Assembly elections on the horizon. The alliance is leveraging the controversy to rally public support, framing it as a defense of cultural values and respect for women. The bandh is expected to see widespread participation, particularly from women’s groups, who have expressed outrage over the remarks.

Political Reactions and Accusations

The incident has sparked a heated political debate, with the BJP accusing Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav of fostering a culture of disrespect. Union Minister Chirag Paswan, a key NDA ally, condemned the remarks, stating, “This is the hateful mentality of Congress and RJD, which is against Indian culture and values.” He also referenced similar incidents during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, where he and his mother faced derogatory remarks, highlighting a pattern of personal attacks by the opposition.

Congress leaders, however, have distanced themselves from the incident. Former Indian Youth Congress National Secretary Mohd Naushad issued an apology, stating that the remarks were made by a minor and that the party does not condone such behavior. He suggested the possibility of “vested interests” orchestrating the incident to tarnish the opposition’s image. Congress leader Pawan Khera accused the BJP of manufacturing the controversy to divert attention from critical issues like voter list revisions in Bihar.

Public Sentiment and Women’s Response

The remarks have struck a deep emotional chord, particularly among women in Bihar. At a virtual event addressed by Modi, women participants expressed their anger, stating that the insult was not just to the Prime Minister’s mother but to all mothers across the country. Sita Devi, a resident of Bihar, said, “This was not just the mother of Narendra Modi who was abused. Women across Bihar have been abused. We are all hurt.” Many have vowed to respond to the opposition in the upcoming elections, signaling significant political repercussions.

The BJP’s Mahila Morcha has taken a leading role in mobilizing support for the bandh, emphasizing the need to protect the dignity of women. The controversy has also sparked protests in other parts of the country, with BJP workers in Delhi, Jammu, and Tirupati staging demonstrations against the opposition. In Delhi, clashes between BJP and Congress workers led to injuries, highlighting the intensity of the political fallout.

Broader Political Context

The controversy comes at a critical juncture as Bihar prepares for its Assembly elections. The Voter Adhikar Yatra, aimed at protesting the revision of voter lists by the Election Commission, has already been a flashpoint between the NDA and the opposition. The BJP has vowed to make the derogatory remarks a central issue in its campaign, framing the opposition as disrespectful to Bihar’s cultural values. The bandh is seen as a strategic move to galvanize public support and put pressure on Congress and RJD ahead of the polls.

The incident also underscores the deepening political divide in Bihar, where personal attacks have become a contentious part of electioneering. The NDA’s focus on the remarks as an insult to “Mother India” resonates with voters who view such attacks as crossing ethical boundaries. Meanwhile, the opposition’s attempts to downplay the incident risk alienating voters who prioritize cultural respect.

What to Expect During the Bandh

The five-hour bandh is expected to disrupt normal activities across Bihar, with roads and commercial establishments likely to remain closed during the morning hours. The BJP has assured that emergency services, including hospitals and ambulances, will operate without interruption. Railways, a critical lifeline for the state, will also remain unaffected, ensuring that travelers face minimal inconvenience. The NDA has called for peaceful protests, urging supporters to express their dissent through marches and demonstrations led by the Mahila Morcha.

As the bandh approaches, the political atmosphere in Bihar remains charged. The NDA’s unified stance and the emotional resonance of Modi’s speech are likely to amplify the impact of the shutdown. The controversy has not only highlighted the sensitivity of personal attacks in Indian politics but also set the stage for a contentious electoral battle in Bihar.