Kharge's 'Bhajan Clubbing' Jibe at PM Modi Draws Sharp BJP Retort
Priyank Kharge criticised PM Modi for attending a bhajan clubbing event while staying silent on Election Commission questions; the BJP accused the Congress of insulting bhajan and bhakti traditions.
A day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended a 'bhajan clubbing' event in the national capital, Karnataka minister and Congress leader Priyank Kharge took a swipe at him, prompting a sharp response from the BJP.
Modi took part in the event on Friday evening, held on the 110th birth anniversary of Sangh Parivar ideologue Deendayal Upadhyay at a park opposite the BJP headquarters. Seated in the front row, the Prime Minister was seen clapping and playing a tambourine-like instrument to a bhajan dedicated to Lord Ram. He later described the gathering as "spectacular" in a post on X.
Bhajan clubbing is a modern cultural trend in which youngsters gather in high-energy, concert-style settings to sing, clap and dance to traditional devotional songs. Held in a club-like atmosphere without alcohol, it has been catching on in several Indian cities and abroad.
On Saturday, Kharge questioned the Prime Minister's participation, saying he had time for bhajan clubbing but none to address serious questions about the Election Commission. In a post on X, the Congress leader said Modi has been avoiding such questions for 13 years, adding that a familiar pattern has emerged in which celebrations draw his presence while accountability draws his silence.
The remarks drew a strong reaction from the BJP, which accused the Congress of mocking and insulting India's civilisational heritage of bhajan and bhakti. Party spokesperson CR Kesavan hit back at the Karnataka minister, saying nothing better could be expected from someone who only sings praises of the Congress first family.
Kesavan further asked whether Kharge had the courage to raise questions about Rahul Gandhi's accountability in light of the party's electoral setbacks, noting that the Congress has lost three consecutive Lok Sabha elections and suffered nearly 100 Assembly defeats under his leadership.