Kharge in Controversy: Kharge makes objectionable remarks about the Prime Minister, then clarifies—"He intimidates."

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge is currently at the center of a controversy regarding an allegedly objectionable remark he made against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Specifically, during a rally, he likened PM Modi to a terrorist. However, he subsequently offered a clarification to defend his stance. This entire episode has further intensified the war of words between the ruling party and the opposition amidst the prevailing election atmosphere.

What exactly did Kharge say about the Prime Minister?

While addressing party workers in Chennai, Mallikarjun Kharge raised questions regarding the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK)'s alliance with the BJP. Speaking in a stern tone, he questioned how members of the AIADMK could align themselves with Modi, given that they do not believe in equality and justice. Kharge further asserted that joining hands with such individuals amounts to undermining democracy. It was during this context that he used the term “terrorist” in reference to the Prime Minister.

What clarification did Kharge offer regarding his remark?

In light of the escalating controversy, Mallikarjun Kharge immediately issued a clarification regarding his statement. He stated, “I never said that the Prime Minister is a terrorist. My intention was to convey that he engages in the act of intimidating people and political parties.” Kharge clarified that Prime Minister Modi frequently issues threats, and his conduct instills fear within political circles. He further added that the objective of his remark was to question the Prime Minister’s style of functioning, rather than to launch a personal attack against him.

Did Kharge allege the misuse of government institutions?

During his clarification, Kharge directly accused the Central Government—and the Prime Minister—of misusing government institutions. He asserted that key agencies such as the ED, the Income Tax Department, and the CBI are entirely under the Prime Minister’s control and are being utilized to intimidate political opponents. Kharge also expressed concern that the Prime Minister seeks to bring processes such as delimitation under his direct control as well. Abusing Modi is a Congress Conspiracy: Sambit Patra

BJP MP Sambit Patra has launched a strong counter-attack against Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge’s statement, terming it a calculated conspiracy by the Congress party. Patra asserted that calling Prime Minister Modi a “terrorist” was not merely a slip of the tongue, but a remark made at the behest of Rahul Gandhi. He alleged that Rahul Gandhi routinely employs derogatory language against the Prime Minister, and now Kharge, following the same path, has also insulted the country’s Prime Minister—an act that is highly condemnable.

Accusing the Congress of adopting double standards, Sambit Patra remarked that this is the very party that addresses Osama bin Laden with the honorific “Ji” and describes individuals like Zakir Naik as “messengers of peace.” He issued a warning that whenever the Congress has hurled abuses at the Prime Minister, the people of India have punished them. Patra further stated that, this time as well, the citizens of the country will deliver a resounding response to these insulting statements by the Congress and show them their rightful place.