Controversy
‘PM Modi is a terrorist’: Mallikarjun Kharge sparks row; BJP hits back
Chennai/IBNS: Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday sparked a major political controversy after calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi a “terrorist” while campaigning in poll-bound Tamil Nadu.
Kharge’s remark triggers row
Kharge made the comment while criticising the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam for aligning with Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party ahead of the April 23 elections.
“How can they (AIADMK) join with Modi? He is a terrorist. And he won’t believe in equality. His party won’t believe in equality and justice. These people are joining them. It means that they are weakening democracy,” Kharge said.
Chennai, Tamil Nadu: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge says, "How can they (AIADMK) join with Modi? He is a terrorist. And he who won't believe in equality. His party won't believe in equality and justice. And these people are joining with them, it means that they are… pic.twitter.com/qymq7H54Z7
— IANS (@ians_india) April 21, 2026
Clarification after backlash
Facing sharp criticism, Kharge later clarified that he did not intend to label the Prime Minister a terrorist, but alleged that Modi “terrorises” political opponents through central probe agencies.
“I never said he’s a terrorist. He’s terrorising (us),” he said in a clarification.
BJP hits back
The BJP condemned the remark, calling it an example of “name-calling” driven by frustration.
Party IT Cell head Amit Malviya said the statement reflects a lack of credible political alternatives and accused the Congress of resorting to abuse instead of meaningful debate.
In yet another crass display, Congress Presented Mallikarjun Kharge calls Prime Minister Narendra Modi a “terrorist,” questioning how AIADMK can align with him.
— Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) April 21, 2026
This isn’t the first time Kharge has dragged public discourse to such lows. But with this remark, he hasn’t just… pic.twitter.com/4abaYWYHOq
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