BJP Slams Kharge Over ‘Terrorist’ Remark on PM Modi, Demands Apology

New Delhi, April 2026 : A major political controversy erupted on Tuesday after Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “terrorist” during a public interaction in Tamil Nadu, triggering a sharp backlash from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Union Ministers, MPs, and party leaders launched a coordinated attack on Kharge, demanding an unconditional apology and accusing the Congress of indulging in personal attacks ahead of elections.

The row intensified quickly, with senior BJP leaders condemning the remark as “deeply offensive” and “an insult to the people of India.” Union Minister Piyush Goyal strongly criticised Kharge’s statement, calling it “deplorable” and beneath the dignity of a national party. Taking to social media, Goyal said such language against a democratically elected Prime Minister reflects poorly on the Congress and its leadership.

“I feel ashamed that Congress leaders have stooped to such a level where they insult the Prime Minister chosen by 140 crore Indians. This is not just an attack on Modi, but on every citizen who voted for him,” Goyal said. He further demanded that Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and DMK chief M. K. Stalin, apologise for what he termed a “downright insult” to the nation.

Echoing similar sentiments, BJP MP Sambit Patra alleged that the remark was not a slip of the tongue but part of a “deliberate and calculated strategy” by the Congress to malign the Prime Minister’s image ahead of elections. He described the statement as evidence of what he called the Congress party’s “abusive mindset.”

“This is not an isolated incident. Over the past few days, several Congress leaders have made derogatory remarks against the Prime Minister. Today’s statement crosses all limits,” Patra said in a video message. He further alleged that the Congress has a history of controversial positions, drawing comparisons with its past statements on contentious figures and issues.

Patra also sought to counter the criticism by highlighting welfare initiatives undertaken by the Modi government, including schemes such as Mudra Yojana, Awas Yojana, and free food distribution. He questioned whether such initiatives reflect the image painted by the Congress.

The controversy stems from remarks made by Kharge during a press conference in Tamil Nadu, where he criticised regional political alignments. While targeting parties for their association with the BJP, Kharge used the term “terrorist” in reference to Prime Minister Modi, sparking immediate outrage.

However, as the backlash intensified, Kharge issued a clarification, stating that his remarks had been misinterpreted. “I did not mean that PM Modi is a terrorist. What I meant was that people are being terrorised, and institutions are being used to intimidate them,” he said, attempting to defuse the situation.

Despite the clarification, BJP leaders remained unsatisfied and continued to press for a formal apology. Party leaders warned that such remarks could have political consequences, particularly with key Assembly elections approaching.

The BJP also framed the controversy as part of a broader pattern of personal attacks by the Congress leadership. Leaders argued that such rhetoric reflects frustration and could backfire electorally, as voters may view it as disrespectful and inappropriate.

The Congress, on the other hand, has not issued any further detailed response beyond Kharge’s clarification. The party’s silence following the BJP’s aggressive counterattack has added to the political tension surrounding the issue.

Political observers note that such controversies often intensify during election cycles, as parties seek to sharpen their messaging and mobilise support. However, personal remarks targeting individuals, particularly those holding constitutional offices, tend to draw widespread criticism and escalate political confrontations.

As campaigning gathers momentum, the row is expected to remain a key talking point, with both parties likely to use it to their advantage in shaping public perception.