Chennai: Addressing a rally in Tamil Nadu, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday known as Prime Minister Narendra Modi a “terrorist” and launched an assault on him, whereas additionally slamming the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) for its alliance with the Nationwide Democratic Alliance (NDA).
Kharge accused the chief minister of divisive politics and questioned the AIADMK and different regional events over their alliance with the BJP-led NDA. He stated, “How can they (AIADMK) be part of with Mr. Modi? He’s a terrorist and somebody who doesn’t consider in equality. His social gathering won’t consider in equality and justice. And when these individuals be part of with Mr. Modi, it means they’re undermining democracy.”
He claimed the prime minister’s insurance policies have been “terrifying” democratic establishments, ethnic minority communities and the nation’s federal construction. Kharge warned the AIADMK that such an alliance would solely strengthen “anti-people” forces and weaken the pursuits of Tamil Nadu.
The remarks got here at a time when the Congress is attempting to rally opposition forces in opposition to the Centre’s hegemony. In his speech, he framed the upcoming state elections as a battle in opposition to what he known as the “authoritarian tendencies of the Bharatiya Janata Celebration.”
Kharge urged voters to reject events that help the Heart and as a substitute help forces which can be dedicated to secularism, social justice and nationwide autonomy, the core themes of Dravidian politics.
Nevertheless, he later clarified his remarks at a press convention, saying, “He (Prime Minister Modi) is terrorizing the individuals and the political social gathering. I’ve by no means stated that he’s a terrorist. Let me be clear: Mr. Modi is all the time threatening. Businesses like ED, IT, CBI are in his fingers. He’s attempting to carry the boundaries in his fingers as nicely.”
The assertion sparked political outrage, with Bharatiya Janata Celebration chief and union minister Piyush Goyal slamming the Congress. “Disgrace that the Congress and the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) have stooped so low to insult the Prime Minister who was democratically elected by the individuals of India by calling him a terrorist. Rahul Gandhi and MK Stalin should apologize for this blatant insult to the Prime Minister and the individuals of India who voted for him,” he wrote in X.
I’m ashamed that the Congress and DMK have stooped so low to insult the Prime Minister, who was democratically elected by the individuals of India, calling him a terrorist.
Rahul Gandhi and MK Stalin should apologize for this blatant insult to the Prime Minister… https://t.co/V1nS0H0PPj
— Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) April 21, 2026
He added that the Congress and DMK have “humiliated 140 million Indians, together with 8 billion Tamil brothers and sisters, with this assertion. By concentrating on the Prime Minister, this unholy alliance is successfully calling Indians terrorists. Such private assaults on the Prime Minister won’t reverse the electoral destiny of Indians, which has already been sealed by the anger of the individuals affected by misgovernment.”
BJP spokesperson Narayanan Thirupathy known as for Kharji’s arrest, saying his feedback insulted the nation and democracy.
This isn’t the primary time Kharge has used robust phrases in opposition to the Modi authorities. After the 2024 Haryana meeting elections, Kharji termed the BJP a “social gathering of terrorists” that lynches and assaults individuals and commits atrocities in opposition to tribals and Dalits.
(Edited by Naldeep Singh Dahiya)
Additionally learn: How ladies’s security turned a key flashpoint on this Tamil Nadu election
