Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday expressed deep anguish over comments made about his late mother during a political rally by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in Bihar. Addressing a gathering, Modi said that though his mother is no longer alive, she continues to be targeted in political attacks, something he described as deeply painful.

The Prime Minister recalled the values his mother instilled in him and said that dragging family members into political discourse shows a lack of respect. He added that while criticism of him as a leader is acceptable in democracy, insulting his mother crosses all limits of decency.

Rahul Gandhi’s remarks have triggered a sharp political row, with BJP leaders accusing the Congress of lowering the level of debate. The Congress, however, maintained that Gandhi’s words were taken out of context.

The controversy has added fuel to the already charged political atmosphere in Bihar, where both parties are aggressively campaigning ahead of the elections. For Modi, the moment was visibly emotional as he reminded supporters that while leaders come and go, respect for parents should remain above politics.