BJP Seeks FIR Against Kharge Over 'Poisonous Snake' Remark, RSS Also Files Complaint Congress president's Assam rally speech triggers political storm ahead of April 9 assembly elections

Congress Chief Sparks Row in Assam

A major political controversy broke out in poll-bound Assam after Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge compared the BJP and RSS to a "poisonous snake" at an election rally, drawing sharp reactions from the ruling party and triggering multiple complaints to the police and the Election Commission of India.

Kharge made the remarks while addressing a rally in Nilambazar in Sribhumi district, likening the BJP and RSS to a "poisonous snake" that, he said, must be eliminated. Referring to a religious analogy, he said that if a poisonous snake appears during namaz, one must stop the prayer and deal with the threat first.

BJP Files Complaint With EC

The BJP on Wednesday lodged a complaint with the Election Commission over Kharge's remarks and demanded removal of what it termed "despicable and derogatory" content from all social media handles and digital platforms. It also urged the EC to issue a show-cause notice to the Congress president and pressed for a public apology for what it called a blatant violation of the model code of conduct.

In its complaint, the BJP stated: "This is not mere political rhetoric but a calculated and reckless appeal that is capable of inciting hatred, disturbing public tranquility, and potentially provoking violence between communities."

FIR Registered at Basistha Police Station

The Assam BJP lodged a formal police complaint against Kharge at Basistha police station in Guwahati. BJP leader Rabjib Kumar Sarmah said the party also intended to forward the FIR to the Election Commission to urge action against Kharge, and demanded that the administration stop such speeches immediately.

BJP MP Manoj Tiwari went further, calling the remarks an act of "direct treason." He accused the Congress of acting in despair due to fear of defeat, saying the party had "directly called for riots" and that the people of Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala would not forgive Congress for such statements.

RSS Joins With Separate Complaints

The RSS, through its Uttar Assam Prant and Dakshin Assam Prant units, formally submitted police complaints at Dispur police station in Guwahati and Silchar police station respectively, seeking legal action over allegedly derogatory, provocative, and communally sensitive statements made during the rally.

The RSS, in its complaint, asserted that the remarks constituted a corrupt electoral practice under the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and alleged criminal intimidation as well as promotion of enmity between communities.

Congress Defends the Speech

Priyank Kharge, Karnataka minister and son of the Congress president, defended his father's remarks. He questioned whether one would feed a poisonous snake or drive it away, arguing the remarks were being misrepresented for political purposes. Kharge himself later clarified that his words targeted the "ideology" of BJP-RSS, which he described as harmful to the country.

Shah Hits Back With Poll Warning

Union Home Minister Amit Shah responded sharply, saying voters would settle scores through their ballots. He predicted that after April 9 — the date of the Assam assembly election — Congress would not be visible "even with binoculars," signalling the BJP's confidence ahead of the crucial state polls.

Kharge's Gujarat Remark Also Draws Fire

The controversy compounds troubles for Kharge, who was already under criticism for separate remarks made in Kerala calling people of Gujarat "uneducated." He subsequently expressed regret over those comments, saying on social media that his statement had been deliberately misrepresented and that he regretted the words used.

What Comes Next

With Assam voting on April 9, the BJP's complaints to both police and the Election Commission are likely to remain in the spotlight. The EC is expected to examine the seven-page BJP complaint, which covers multiple controversial statements by Kharge, before deciding on any formal action. The political fallout is set to sharpen, as both sides dig in — with the Congress insisting the remarks were contextual and the BJP pushing for a ban on further campaign speeches by the Congress president.