PM Modi Takes a Bold Stand Against Political Abuse: A Staunch Defense of Women’s Dignity
Image via The Indian Express
On September 2, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a forceful response to the offensive remarks made by leaders of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Congress party about his mother, Heeraben Modi. The Prime Minister, never one to shy away from defending his family, used this opportunity to voice his firm condemnation of the disrespect directed not only at his mother but at all women in India.
The attack, which was clearly aimed at hurting the Prime Minister politically, did more than just target an individual. It brought to light the larger issue of misogyny that persists within the political sphere. PM Modi’s words were not only a reaction to the personal insults he received but also a wider critique of how women are often disrespected and objectified in public discourse.
What Sparked the Controversy?
The controversy began when certain RJD and Congress leaders made derogatory comments about Prime Minister Modi’s mother, Heeraben Modi. The remarks, which were intended to belittle the Prime Minister and his family, quickly became a national talking point. PM Modi, known for his measured responses and often calm demeanor, took to the podium to address these personal attacks head-on.
In his statement, the Prime Minister made it clear that the abuse aimed at his mother was not just an insult to him as an individual, but a direct attack on the sanctity and respect owed to mothers, sisters, and daughters. This is a sentiment shared by millions of people across the country, who view mothers as the foundation of Indian society. His words were pointed: “Such comments are not just disrespectful to me but to every woman in this country.”
The Prime Minister’s Strong Message
PM Modi’s swift and powerful response to the abuse left no room for ambiguity. He described the attacks as an appalling form of political behavior that has no place in Indian politics. He further emphasized that attacking a person’s family, particularly their mother, was not only uncalled for but beneath the dignity of anyone engaged in public life.
“These types of attacks do not just target me but they insult the very core of our values, our respect for women,” Modi said, his voice unwavering. The Prime Minister also called out the leaders responsible for the comments, urging them to reflect on their behavior. He noted that political battles should focus on policies and ideologies, not personal insults or attacks on family members.
Furthermore, Modi highlighted the need for politicians to maintain the highest standards of ethics and morality. He pointed out that as public figures, it was their responsibility to set a positive example for the country, especially for the younger generation. His words resonated with a large section of the population, sparking discussions about the nature of political discourse in India.
BJP’s Response: Solidarity with the Prime Minister
BJP leaders were quick to rally behind their Prime Minister, standing united in condemning the offensive remarks. They called for an apology from the opposition parties, with several senior BJP figures stressing that the attacks on Modi’s mother were an affront to the dignity of every Indian woman. BJP spokespersons and Union ministers took to social media and television to express their outrage, demanding that the leaders from RJD and Congress be held accountable for their words.
Many within the BJP also pointed out the hypocrisy of the opposition, which, in their view, had stooped to new lows by making such personal attacks. In contrast to Modi’s calm and respectful tone, the opposition’s remarks were seen as indicative of a deeper issue within Indian politics—the disregard for decency when it comes to personal attacks.
Congress and RJD Respond
As expected, the remarks made by Modi sparked a fiery reaction from leaders of the Congress and RJD parties. Defending their party members, they argued that the comments were made in the heat of political discourse and were never intended to target Modi’s mother personally. They accused Modi of using the incident to divert attention from pressing national issues and of politicizing what they described as a “non-issue.”
While the RJD and Congress expressed regret over the tone of the remarks, they stopped short of issuing a full apology. Their refusal to take responsibility for the comments only added fuel to the fire, with many in the BJP accusing them of lacking the decency to offer a public apology. The back-and-forth between the parties intensified as the days went on, turning the incident into a full-fledged political war.
PM Modi’s History of Defending Women
This is not the first time that PM Modi has spoken out strongly in favor of women’s rights. Throughout his tenure, Modi has launched several initiatives aimed at improving the lives of women in India. Programs like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (Save the Girl Child, Educate the Girl Child) and women’s empowerment initiatives have been part of his broader agenda to ensure gender equality.
Moreover, Modi has repeatedly used his position to call for a safer and more inclusive environment for women. His government’s policies, such as financial inclusion programs targeting women, have been aimed at giving women greater opportunities to succeed. His message has often been that empowering women is not just a political duty, but a moral one that must be prioritized by everyone in society.
The Broader Issue of Misogyny in Politics
While the focus of the debate was initially on the abuse directed at Modi’s mother, the incident has brought the issue of misogyny in politics to the forefront. Throughout the country, women continue to be subject to disrespect, both in public and in the workplace. Many argue that political leaders, who are supposed to be role models, should never resort to using derogatory language when discussing women.
PM Modi’s remarks about the need to maintain dignity in public discourse are part of a broader call for decency in politics. As the digital age continues to accelerate the speed at which information spreads, there is an urgent need for political leaders to rise above personal attacks and focus on the issues that truly matter to the nation. Leaders who engage in character assassination only tarnish the integrity of Indian democracy.
The Role of Social Media in Amplifying Abuse
In the age of social media, the line between personal and professional life has become increasingly blurred. Political figures are often targets of online abuse, and the incident involving PM Modi’s mother is just one example. The rapid spread of harmful comments online has created an environment where personal insults and derogatory remarks are far too common. PM Modi’s reaction underscores the importance of maintaining respect for individuals, especially when public figures are involved.
This growing trend of online abuse has become a significant issue in political circles. With social media platforms offering a forum for unfiltered and, at times, vicious attacks, it has become more important than ever to ensure that leaders and citizens alike use these platforms responsibly. PM Modi’s statement serves as a reminder of the power of words, particularly in a world where every post, tweet, and comment can reach millions.
Conclusion: A Call for Respectful Political Discourse
PM Modi’s reaction to the abuse directed at his mother sends a clear message to all political leaders: personal attacks on family members, especially mothers and women, are unacceptable. His defense of his family was not just a personal one, but a statement against the broader cultural issue of misogyny in Indian politics.
As India moves forward, it will be crucial for politicians to choose their words carefully and engage in respectful dialogue that focuses on the issues, rather than personal attacks. PM Modi’s stance on this issue has set a high bar for what is acceptable in public discourse, and it will be interesting to see how the opposition responds in the coming weeks. The future of Indian politics may well depend on the way leaders choose to conduct themselves—both online and offline.
In the end, this episode is a reminder that in a democracy, while political differences are inevitable, respect for the individual, especially women, should always come first.