Mallikarjun Kharge calls PM Narendra Modi ‘terrorist’, later clarifies remark

April 21, 2026

New Delhi, April 21: Mallikarjun Kharge triggered a political storm after referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “terrorist” during a campaign interaction, drawing sharp criticism from the BJP.

Statement Made During Campaign Attack

#WATCH | Chennai, Tamil Nadu | Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge says, “How these AIADMK people, who themselves put the photo of Annadurai, how can they join Modi? He is a terrorist. His party won’t believe in equality and justice. These people are joining with them; it means… pic.twitter.com/znLvE7hutP

— ANI (@ANI) April 21, 2026

The Congress president made the remark while criticising the BJP and its alliances, questioning how regional parties could align with the ruling leadership during the ongoing election campaign.

Clarification After Backlash

#WATCH | Chennai, Tamil Nadu | Clarifying on his remark on PM Modi, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge says, “He (PM Modi) is terrorising people and political parties. I never said he is a terrorist…What I mean, I want to clarify, is that Modi always threatens. The… pic.twitter.com/8ZLypQ7eZI

— ANI (@ANI) April 21, 2026

Following the backlash, Kharge clarified that his statement had been misinterpreted. He said he did not literally call the Prime Minister a terrorist, but meant that Modi “terrorises” people and political opponents through his actions.

BJP Responds Sharply

The BJP hit back strongly, calling Kharge’s remarks irresponsible and accusing him of resorting to personal attacks in the heat of the election campaign.

Political Tensions Escalate

The episode has intensified the war of words between the BJP and the Congress, reflecting the increasingly sharp rhetoric as elections approach, with both sides trading accusations over governance and political conduct.