- India,
- 21-Apr-2026 05:13 PM IST
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge sparked a major controversy during a press conference in Tamil Nadu by using the term 'terrorist' for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Following the backlash, Kharge issued a clarification, stating that he didn't mean it literally but intended to convey that the Prime Minister 'terrorizes' or threatens people and political opponents.
What Kharge Said in the Press Conference
Addressing the media in Tamil Nadu, Kharge questioned the alliance of regional parties with the BJP. He stated, 'These AIADMK people who put Annadurai's photo, how can they join Modi? He's a terrorist. His party won't believe in equality and justice.
Clarification Issued by the Congress President
Attempting to clear the air regarding his remarks, Kharge later explained, 'He (PM Modi) is scaring people and political parties. I never said he's a terrorist. I mean, I want to clarify that Modi always threatens, while institutions like ED, IT, and CBI are in his hands.
BJP's Sharp Reaction and Allegations of Conspiracy
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) reacted strongly to Kharge's statement. BJP leader Sambit Patra termed the remark highly condemnable and reflective of the Congress party's mindset. Patra asserted, 'This isn't a slip of the tongue. Even if he's offering a clarification, remember, this is a well-thought-out conspiracy by the Congress party.
Sambit Patra Recalls Past Controversies Involving Congress
Continuing his attack, Sambit Patra brought up past instances to highlight the Congress party's alleged stance, while he said, 'This is the same Congress that calls Zakir Naik a messenger of peace. This is the same Congress party that calls Osama bin Laden ‘Osama ji’.
BJP Predicts Public Backlash
Patra warned that the people of India wouldn't take such remarks lightly, while he stated, 'The Congress party should remember that whenever it has used abusive language against the Prime Minister, the people of India have punished it.
