The political storm over alleged remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s late mother during Rahul Gandhi’s Voter Adhikar Yatra in Bihar has reignited a familiar dilemma for the Congress. The BJP promptly lodged a police complaint in Darbhanga, accusing Congress leaders of crossing the line. With the issue now snowballing, the Congress will be wary, given its chequered past with controversial personal attacks on Modi remarks that have historically backfired at critical electoral junctures.
The Personal Attack Pattern
The Congress’s biting verbal darts at Modi over the years have tended to make headlines but almost never delivered electoral returns. From “maut ka saudagar” to “chaiwala” to “neech aadmi”, every bout has been converted by the BJP into a rallying cry that coalesced votes behind Modi.
“Maut ka Saudagar” in Gujarat
Before the 2007 Gujarat Assembly election, Sonia Gandhi called Modi a “maut ka saudagar” regarding the 2002 riots. Modi, the then Gujarat CM, retaliated with full force, accusing the Congress of protecting terrorists. The result: BJP swept 117 out of 183 seats, and Congress was cut to 59.
The “Chaiwala” Remark
In 2014, when Modi was projecting his modest upbringing, Mani Shankar Aiyar ridiculed him with the words, “If he wants to distribute tea here, we will find a place for him.” Modi politicized the statement and used it as a badge of honor and the BJP rode the tide to sweep the Lok Sabha elections.
“Neech Aadmi” Controversy
In 2017, Aiyar went after Modi once more, labeling him a “neech kisma ka aadmi”. The BJP made the comment casteist, with Modi playing the victim card of elitism. Rahul Gandhi kept a distance and requested Aiyar to apologize, but it was too late.
“Chowkidar Chor Hai”
Rahul Gandhi’s 2019 slogan “chowkidar chor hai” over the Rafale deal backfired after the BJP launched its “Main bhi chowkidar” campaign. The Supreme Court also cautioned Gandhi for misrepresenting its order. The narrative once again swung in Modi’s favour.
Other Epithets: From “Duryodhan” to “Raavan”
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra had previously compared Modi to “Duryodhan”, and Mallikarjun Kharge ridiculed him as “Raavan” with “100 heads”. Modi retaliated by depicting himself as a victim of constant abuse from “gandi naali ka keeda” to “Bhasmasur”. In Gujarat 2022, BJP went on to win an all-time 156 seats, and Congress reached its lowest count of 17.
In April 2023, pre-Karnataka polls, Kharge had referred to Modi as a “poorly poisonous snake”. Although he later made it clear that he was referring to BJP’s ideology, the statement prompted a tit-for-tat political battle.
Why Congress Will Be Nervous Now
With the new controversy in Bihar, Congress is dreading history repeating. Every previous comment has enabled Modi and the BJP to divert conversation from policy to personal pride, rallying support behind the Prime Minister. As campaigning in Bihar speeds up, the party can risk losing itself to firefighting hurt caused by its own words.
