Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday launched a strong attack on the opposition alliance over alleged abusive remarks against his late mother, describing it as an insult to “every mother, sister, and daughter of the country.”
He made the remarks after launching the Bihar Rajya Jeevika Nidhi Saakh Sahkari Sangh Limited, a cooperative initiative aimed at providing affordable credit to women entrepreneurs of Bihar’s self-help groups under the Jeevika programme.
Highlighting Bihar’s cultural traditions of reverence for maternal power (matrushakti), the Prime Minister noted that deities such as Ganga Maiya, Kosi Maiya, Gandaki Maiya and Chhathi Maiya are deeply worshipped in the state. He recalled that Sita Mata, revered across the world, is celebrated as Janaki, the daughter of Bihar. “This deep devotion towards the mother is Bihar’s defining identity,” he said.
Referring to the alleged derogatory remarks made at an opposition rally, PM Modi said the attack was not just personal but an affront to India’s cultural ethos. “These insults were not just against my mother, but against crores of mothers across the country,” he said, sharing emotional memories of his mother’s sacrifices during his childhood. He added that his mother had released him from family responsibilities so he could dedicate himself fully to serving Maa Bharati.
The Prime Minister accused opposition leaders of elitism, saying those “born with silver and gold spoons” could never understand the struggles of a poor mother. He alleged that the opposition has historically disrespected the rise of backward and marginalized communities and continues to target women leaders, citing their treatment of President Droupadi Murmu.
PM Modi also recalled Bihar’s difficult past, alleging that during earlier regimes, women faced widespread fear due to lawlessness, extortion, and abductions. He credited the women of Bihar for playing a decisive role in defeating such governments and asserted that the current opposition is now “agitated against the women of Bihar.”
Linking his remarks to cultural traditions, the Prime Minister said, “Navratri is approaching, followed by Chhath. The soil of India has never tolerated disrespect towards mothers. The opposition must seek forgiveness from Satbahini and Chhathi Maiya.” He urged the people of Bihar to hold opposition leaders accountable for insulting mothers.
Reaffirming women’s empowerment as a top priority of his government, PM Modi said initiatives such as the Jeevika Nidhi will help strengthen rural women entrepreneurs by providing affordable and timely credit. He urged citizens to support the “Vocal for Local” movement and embrace the new mantra of “Har Ghar Swadeshi, Ghar-Ghar Swadeshi” to build an Atmanirbhar Bharat.