Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has clarified that he did not call Prime Minister Narendra Modi “a terrorist,” but insisted that the Prime Minister is “terrorising” political parties and people by misusing central agencies and government machinery.
What Kharge Said and Clarified
Speaking at a press conference in Chennai during the Tamil Nadu Assembly‑poll campaign, Kharge initially referred to Modi as a “terrorist,” prompting a sharp political backlash and media questioning. When asked to clarify, he stressed: “I never said he is a terrorist (in the literal sense). What I meant is that he is terrorising people and political parties,” using bodies such as the ED, Income Tax Department, and CBI.
Kharge argued that Modi “always threatens” opponents, ties delimitation to majoritarian agendas, and turns investigations into tools of political pressure, a phrase he explicitly framed as “terrorising” the democratic system, not labelling Modi personally as a terrorist.
Political Backlash and Reactions
The BJP strongly objected, calling the original remark “crass,” “frustrated,” and “unacceptable,” and demanding an apology and action from the Election Commission. Congress leaders, however, defended Kharge’s clarification, saying he was complaining about the “climate of fear” and misuse of state institutions against the opposition rather than issuing a literal terrorist label.
Broader Sub‑text
Kharge’s comments also linked into his broader criticism of the Election Commission and the BJP, alleging bias and violations of the model code of conduct, and tying them to delimitation, reservation debates, and enforcement raids. The episode has become a focal point in the election‑season war of words, with the Congress framing it as a protest against institutional overreach and the BJP treating it as a slur against the Prime Minister’s character.
