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Kharge’s 'terrorist' remark against PM Modi sparks row during Tamil Nadu polls
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge called Prime Minister Narendra Modi a 'terrorist', triggering a political row on the last day of campaigning for Tamil Nadu assembly polls. He later clarified that he meant Modi was 'terrorising' the democratic fabric, drawing condemnation from the BJP and a complaint to the Election Commission.
Why It Matters
The incident escalates political tensions ahead of Tamil Nadu elections and involves formal complaints to the Election Commission, highlighting contest over use of language and the role of political discourse in campaign conduct.
Timeline
6 Events
KC Venugopal defends Kharge; accuses BJP of inflaming the issue with 'camera tricks'
April 22, 2026
Congress general secretary KC Venugopal defended Kharge, alleging the BJP is trying to make a non-issue an issue, and claimed Kharge clarified he did not call Modi a 'terrorist' while accusing the BJP of using tactics to misrepresent the clip.
Sambit Patra asserts remark reflects Congress mindset and was not a slip
April 22, 2026
BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra condemned the words, stating the remarks are condemnable and reflect the Congress party's mindset, and rejected Kharge's clarification as a mere attempt to deflect.
BJP lodges complaint with Election Commission over model code violation
April 22, 2026
The BJP filed a complaint with the Election Commission alleging that Kharge violated the model code of conduct and sought a case to be registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with an apology and retraction.
BJP condemns remark and demands apology
April 22, 2026
Senior BJP leaders condemned Kharge's remark, with Union minister Piyush Goyal calling for an apology from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin for the insult to the people of India and to the PM.
Kharge clarifies remark as 'terrorising' Modi, not calling him a terrorist
April 22, 2026
Kharge later said at a press conference that he meant Modi was 'terrorising' the democratic fabric of the country, denying that he called him a terrorist and explaining his comment referred to actions against opposition parties.
Kharge's remark labeling Modi a 'terrorist' during Tamil Nadu campaign
April 22, 2026
On the last day of campaigning for the Tamil Nadu assembly polls, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a 'terrorist', prompting strong reactions and a formal complaint from the BJP to the Election Commission.