Several BJP leaders and party workers were taken into custody by Bengaluru police on Monday after their protest march against AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge’s remarks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi was stopped outside Freedom Park. They were released later.

It was part of the nationwide protest organised by the party in response to remarks made by Mr. Kharge during a public address in Patna, which the BJP alleged were derogatory towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi. BJP leaders demanded an unconditional public apology from the Congress chief. In response to a claim from the audience that Mr. Modi is not going anywhere, during the birth anniversary celebrations of Bihar’s first Chief Minister, late Krishna Singh, Mr. Kharge had said, “Modi Ka Baap Bhi Jayega (even Mr. Modi’s father will go).”

Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly R. Ashok; Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council Chalavadi Narayanaswamy; Lahar Singh Siroya, Rajya Sabha MP; and former Deputy Chief Minister C.N. Ashwath Narayan led dozens of party workers in a dharna at Freedom Park.

Tension prevailed when the protesters attempted to move beyond the designated protest area and march onto the adjoining main road. The police personnel deployed at the spot blocked their way using barricades. When some protesters allegedly tried to push past the barricades, the police intervened and took senior BJP leaders and several party workers into custody. They were subsequently taken away in police vehicles and released later.

Addressing the protesters, Mr. Ashok ridiculed the father-son duo (Mr. Kharge and Home Minister Priyank Kharge), saying they were responsible for the party’s debacle at both the national and State levels. “Mr. Kharge should not have stooped to this level. He is struggling to walk and similarly the Congress, which is also unable to walk, is going with the Cockroach Janata Party. His statement shows the lowly culture of Congress.” He said Mr. Kharge had spoken out of anger and jealousy towards Mr. Modi. “Mr. Kharge has lost his mental imbalance. If he has any self-respect, he has to apologise.”

Speaking to presspersons, BJP State president B.Y. Vijayendra said: “Mr. Kharge has spoken lightly of the Prime Minister. That shows the frustration and thought of the Congress and its leaders. The Congress is unable to accept the re-election of Mr. Modi for the third time.”

Meanwhile, in a statement, Union Minister for Industries H.D. Kumaraswamy also slammed Mr. Kharge for his remarks and termed them not only derogatory but also a violation of political decorum. “His words reflect his hidden cruel mindset. His statement targeting Mr. Modi’s father is intolerable. Despite his long public life, the pettiness displayed in his words is unforgivable. He must apologise,” Mr. Kumaraswamy said.