Congress leader and Karnataka minister Priyank Kharge criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his participation in a Bhajan Clubbing event in Delhi, prompting a sharp response from the BJP and triggering a fresh political exchange.The Priyank Kharge Modi row began after Modi shared footage from the devotional event held at Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Park. The programme marked the birth anniversary of Bharatiya Jana Sangh leader Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya.

Kharge alleged that Modi had time to participate in Bhajan Clubbing but was not addressing what the Congress leader described as serious questions concerning the Election Commission. He also accused the Prime Minister of avoiding accountability when difficult questions confront the government.The BJP rejected Kharge’s criticism. Party spokesperson CR Kesavan accused the Congress leader of mocking and insulting India’s traditions of bhajan and bhakti. He also criticised Congress and questioned its political record.

Congress Row: Why Is Bhajan Clubbing Making Headlines?

Congress and BJP’s latest exchange has brought renewed attention to Bhajan Clubbing, a modern devotional format combining traditional bhajans, kirtans and chants with concert-style arrangements and stage setups. Popular among younger audiences, particularly Gen Z, the trend was discussed by PM Modi during Mann Ki Baat in January 2026 as a blend of spirituality and modernity. The political exchange also comes amid disputes over the Election Commission and Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.

Congress workers have staged protests demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The Election Commission has rejected allegations surrounding its decision-making, maintaining that decisions related to the revision exercise were taken unanimously.The Bhajan Clubbing controversy has therefore become another subject of political disagreement between Congress and BJP, with Kharge focusing his criticism on government accountability and the BJP defending the devotional tradition and Modi’s participation in the Delhi event.