CHENNAI — A major political controversy broke out on Tuesday after Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge used the word “terrorist” while referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a press conference in Tamil Nadu. Following immediate backlash, Kharge clarified his statement, asserting that he was referring to the Prime Minister’s political tactics rather than his personal character.
The remarks were made while Kharge was questioning the AIADMK’s decision to align with the BJP for the upcoming state polls, arguing that such a partnership contradicts the values of Dravidian icons like Annadurai and Periyar.
The Clarification
When asked by reporters to provide context for the remark, Kharge quickly moved to explain his choice of words:
-
“Terrorising” Institutions: Kharge stated that his intent was to highlight how the Prime Minister “terrorises” opposition parties and the public by utilizing central agencies like the ED, I-T, and CBI.
-
Direct Denial: “I never said he is a terrorist,” Kharge clarified. “What I mean… is that Modi always threatens. Therefore, I said in that context, he is terrorising people.”
Sharp Reaction from the BJP
The BJP launched a blistering counter-attack, demanding an apology from the Congress leadership and its allies:
-
“Urban Naxal” Label: BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari characterized the Congress as an “Urban Naxal party,” accusing them of using “venomous rhetoric” against a democratically elected leader.
-
Insult to Voters: Union Minister Piyush Goyal called the comments a humiliation for 140 crore Indians. He demanded that Rahul Gandhi and MK Stalin apologize, stating that personal attacks of this nature reflect the “desperation” of the opposition alliance.
The exchange marks a significant escalation in campaign rhetoric as the battle for Tamil Nadu intensifies. While Kharge attempted to steer the narrative back toward federalism and the misuse of institutional power, the BJP has pivoted the focus toward what they term “anti-national” language, setting the stage for a high-decibel electoral showdown.
