Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Dec 15: Union minister Kiren Rijiju on Monday strongly condemned slogans reportedly calling for harm to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a Congress rally, urging the party leadership to apologise publicly in Parliament.

Addressing reporters, Rijiju described the alleged remarks as “extremely sad and regrettable,” highlighting that the Prime Minister is respected both nationally and globally as the leader of the world’s largest democracy. He stressed that denial alone would not suffice.

“The Congress president and the leader of the opposition must apologise openly on the floor of Parliament to the people of the country. Only then can it be acknowledged that a mistake was made,” Rijiju said, calling on the party to demonstrate basic respect for humanity and democratic norms.

Rijiju emphasised that political rivalry should never translate into personal threats or incitement to violence. “Even amid political differences, we extend greetings or support on occasions like birthdays or during illness out of respect for one another. Political battles are one thing, but calling for someone’s death is completely unacceptable,” he said.

The Union Minister specifically referred to the slogans at the Congress rally on Sunday, alleging that participants had urged workers to “dig the grave” of the Prime Minister and commit acts of violence against him.

“In a democracy, we are colleagues, not enemies. Yet at this rally, such disgraceful statements were made calling for the Prime Minister’s killing. This is unprecedented in our democratic history,” Rijiju remarked.

He reiterated that the ongoing parliamentary session provides the proper platform for Congress to address the issue and offer a public apology, underscoring the importance of accountability and respect for democratic processes.