PM Modi’s ‘Forgiveness’ Message Triggers Political Storm; Sanjay Singh Retorts, ‘Is Your Mother a Mother, But Ours Isn’t?’

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s video message to Gen-Z, in which he said he wanted to forgive young protesters who allegedly used abusive language against him and his late mother, has ignited a sharp political row. While the BJP hailed the message as a call for compassion and guidance, opposition parties accused the ruling party of double standards.

In a video shared on Instagram late Friday night, PM Modi referred to a protest at Jantar Mantar where, according to him, some youths used abusive language against him and his late mother. Calling the incident a “cultural shock,” the Prime Minister said the time had come to embrace misguided youth, guide them onto the right path, and forgive them instead of harbouring resentment.

The remarks drew strong reactions from the opposition. Aam Aadmi Party Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh questioned the BJP’s stance, saying that while insulting anyone’s mother is unacceptable, BJP leaders have themselves used offensive language against political rivals. “Is your mother a mother, but ours isn’t?” Singh asked, alleging that BJP leaders had also targeted him, Mahatma Gandhi and even the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court with derogatory remarks.

The BJP, however, defended the Prime Minister’s message. Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar described it as a positive and responsible approach, saying that guiding misguided youth is the duty of society. Union Minister Giriraj Singh also backed the PM, stating that while disagreement is a vital part of democracy, public discourse must remain within the limits of decency. He added that young people can make mistakes, but they should be guided rather than punished.

The Prime Minister’s remarks have since sparked a wider political debate, with both the ruling party and the opposition using the issue to target each other over political conduct and public discourse.