Chennai: A major political controversy erupted on Tuesday after Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge made a contentious remark about Prime Minister Narendra Modi during an election rally in Tamil Nadu, triggering sharp reactions from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Remark During Campaign Rally
Addressing voters in poll-bound Tamil Nadu, Kharge criticised the alliance between the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and the Bharatiya Janata Party. In the course of his speech, he used a highly provocative term while attacking the Prime Minister and accused the BJP of working against the principles of equality and justice. He also alleged that such political alliances weaken democratic institutions.
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
Backlash and Political Reactions
The remark quickly sparked outrage, with the BJP condemning it as inappropriate and irresponsible. Party leaders accused the Congress of lowering the level of political discourse and resorting to personal attacks instead of engaging on substantive issues.
Senior BJP figures, including Amit Malviya, criticised Kharge’s statement, calling it reflective of political frustration and a lack of credible alternatives.
We have filed a strong complaint against Congress President Shri @kharge ji for his shocking and disgraceful remark calling Hon’ble PM Shri @narendramodi ji a “terrorist.”
This is not just derogatory, it is a dangerous & unprecedented attack on democratic institutions.
A blatant… pic.twitter.com/xtJWCoS79Z— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) April 21, 2026
Kharge Issues Clarification
Amid mounting criticism, Kharge later clarified his statement, saying it had been misinterpreted. He maintained that he did not intend to label the Prime Minister a terrorist, but meant that Modi “terrorises” political opponents through the use of central investigative agencies.
Election Context
The controversy comes at a crucial time, with Tamil Nadu heading into elections and political rhetoric intensifying across party lines. The alliance between AIADMK and BJP has been a key flashpoint in the campaign, drawing sharp criticism from opposition leaders.
Rising Political Heat
The exchange underscores the increasingly combative tone of election campaigning, with both the Congress and BJP trading strong accusations. As polling approaches, the issue is likely to remain a focal point in the ongoing political discourse.
