The BJP has called for a ‘Bihar Bandh’ on Thursday to protest against the alleged objectionable remarks made against Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s mother from a public stage during the INDIA Alliance’s recently concluded ‘Voter Adhikar Yatra’.
The BJP has appealed to the people of Bihar to keep roads and the general transport shut from 7 am to 12 Noon on Thursday. Emergency services and railway services will be exempt from the shutdown.
The BJP Mahila Morcha will lead the protest. This is the first time the BJP Mahila Morcha is leading a statewide shutdown, which is supported by all NDA partners.
BJP state president Dilip Jaiswal said, “This incident is a blot on democracy. No one can imagine using vulgar abuses for a mother from a political platform.”
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Modi expressed sorrow over the incident during a programme with ‘Jeevika Didis’ (women’s self-help group members) in Bihar on Tuesday.
Addressing them through video-conferencing, he said that the opposition has not just abused his mother but has insulted crores of mothers across the country. They should seek forgiveness from ‘Chhathi Maiya’ (a revered deity in Bihar).
A youth, identified as Mohammad Rizvi alias Raja, was arrested for allegedly using abusive language against PM’s late mother during the Voter Adhikar Yatra, triggering political outrage across the country.
The incident was condemned by leaders of every party including the Congress and the RJD.
The Congress party denied that the accused was affiliated with it and alleged that the incident was orchestrated by the BJP to divert public attention from the Voter Adhikar Yatra. The party also demanded thorough investigation into the incident.