BJP files complaint against Rahul Gandhi over ‘Bharatanatyam’ remark on PM Modi

Patna: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has lodged a formal complaint with the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Bihar against Congress leader and Lok Sabha Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi for allegedly making derogatory remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a recent election rally.

The complaint, filed by Bindhyachal Rai, the BJP’s in-charge of coordination with the Election Commission, accuses Rahul Gandhi of violating the Model Code of Conduct and the Representation of the People Act, 1951, by making statements that “insult the dignity of the Prime Minister’s office.”

The controversy erupted after Rahul Gandhi, while addressing public meetings in Muzaffarpur and Darbhanga earlier this week, mocked the Prime Minister’s outreach efforts, saying, “Narendra Modi is ready to do any drama for votes. If you tell him you’ll vote only if he dances, he will even perform Bharatanatyam.”

Calling the remarks “personal and insulting,” the BJP urged the Election Commission to issue a show-cause notice to Rahul Gandhi and to direct him to offer an unconditional public apology. The party also demanded that the poll body restrict him from campaigning for a certain period to uphold “the sanctity of democratic discourse and electoral decorum.”

Rai stated in the complaint that the Congress leader’s comments amounted to mocking the constitutional post of the Prime Minister and were aimed at “character assassination for political gain.” The BJP termed it a “corrupt electoral practice,” asserting that Gandhi’s repeated use of personal attacks undermines democratic values.

The Election Commission is expected to review the complaint and seek clarification from the Congress party regarding the alleged violation. Meanwhile, Congress leaders have not yet issued an official response to the BJP’s allegations.

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