The already plummeting standard of political discourse in India reached a disturbing new low on Saturday when BJP spokesperson Prem Shukla used shockingly abusive language during a live TV debate against Congress spokesperson Surendra Rajput. The incident, which unfolded on national television during a debate on Hindi news channel Aaj Tak, has triggered massive backlash on social media and from opposition leaders.
The debate was focused on the Pahalgam terror attack, but quickly devolved into personal attacks. Tensions escalated when Surendra Rajput questioned why a ceasefire had been declared, despite India’s military capability. He said India could defeat Pakistan, reclaim PoK and liberate Balochistan. In response, Prem Shukla launched a verbal attack on the Congress leader, saying, “Rahul Gandhi speaks Pakistan's language... he licks the soles of Pakistan's feet.”
Surendra Rajput retaliated, saying, “You lick the soles of Pakistan’s feet, Narendra Modi does that, your father licks their soles…”
At this point, the discussion spiraled out of control as Shukla exploded, yelling: “Teri maa r@ndi hai” (Your mother is a prostitute).
Even though the anchor intervened and condemned the language, temporarily muting the debate, the BJP spokesperson continued his tirade after being unmuted, shouting: “Kaha se laye ho is tawayaf ki aulad ko?” (Where did you find this son of a prostitute?)
The clip of the incident went viral, with netizens expressing outrage at the use of such offensive language on a public platform. The incident has become a flashpoint in the debate over the decaying standards of political communication.
Congress leader Supriya Shrinate reacted strongly, posting on social media: “This BJP spokesperson crosses every limit of indecency on TV daily, but today, all boundaries of dignity have been shattered. The words spoken about Surendra Rajput ji's late mother—I cannot even write them here. Someone who can say this on a national channel—it's difficult to imagine what he thinks about women. This is the true character of the BJP. Such people are disgusting. Whatever action you take, Surendra ji, I am with you. Expecting respect for women from BJP leaders is meaningless.”
(Source: Supriya Shrinate on X)
