Daijiworld Media Network - Patna

Patna, Sep 4: The controversy surrounding alleged derogatory remarks made against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his late mother during the INDIA Bloc’s Voter Rights Yatra in Darbhanga has escalated to the legal arena, with a criminal complaint now filed in Jamui Civil Court.

Local resident Satish Chandra Gupta has named Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, RJD’s Tejashwi Yadav, and VIP chief Mukesh Sahani as the primary accused, along with 100 unidentified individuals. The court has scheduled the next hearing for September 17.

Gupta’s lawyer, Brijnandan Singh, said the complaint was filed under Sections 61(1)(2), 62, 356, 351, and 553 of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS). According to Singh, abusive language directed at PM Modi and his late mother was used by INDIA Bloc supporters from the event stage, allegedly in the presence of key alliance leaders.

“These statements weren’t just personal insults — they hurt the sentiments of millions and go against the democratic ethos of India,” Singh argued, adding that the accused leaders are liable since they were present when the remarks were made.

The incident occurred during a public gathering in Darbhanga attended by Rahul Gandhi, Tejashwi Yadav, Mukesh Sahani, CPI(ML) leader Dipankar Bhattacharya, and others. A man identified as Mohammad Rizvi alias Raza reportedly made objectionable comments from the stage. The video quickly went viral, prompting public outrage.

Rizvi was later arrested from the Singhwada block in Darbhanga district.

In response, the BJP’s Bihar unit launched a statewide protest, calling for a bandh and accusing the INDIA Bloc of disrespecting the Prime Minister and undermining democratic norms.

Prominent BJP figures, including state president Dilip Jaiswal, former Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, and ex-Deputy CM Tarkishore Prasad, joined protests across the state on Thursday, condemning the incident.