In a major political escalation just before the final phase of polling in Tamil Nadu, Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge has ignited a nationwide row by labeling Prime Minister Narendra Modi a “terrorist.” Speaking at a campaign rally in Chennai on the final day of the election trail, Kharge used the controversial term while criticizing the AIADMK for its alliance with the BJP. He questioned how leaders who claim the legacy of C.N. Annadurai could align with PM Modi, whom he accused of having no faith in equality or justice, further stating that such alliances weaken the foundations of Indian democracy.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) responded with fierce indignation, launching nationwide protests against the Congress chief’s remarks. Senior BJP leaders condemned the statement as a sign of “political bankruptcy” and “frustration” over an impending electoral defeat. The saffron party argued that calling a globally respected Prime Minister a terrorist is an insult to the nation and the mandate of the people. They have formally demanded an unconditional apology from Kharge and urged the Election Commission of India to take stringent action against him for violating the model code of conduct and lowering the dignity of political discourse.
As the controversy intensified, the Congress party shifted into damage-control mode, attempting to clarify that Kharge’s comments were directed at “political terrorism” rather than physical violence. Congress spokespersons argued that the term was used metaphorically to describe the government’s alleged use of central agencies to suppress the opposition and “murder” democratic values. While the DMK-led alliance in Tamil Nadu has maintained a strategic distance from the row, the BJP is aggressively using the comment as a focal point in their final push to reach voters before the April 23rd polls.
