Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday intensified his criticism of Narendra Modi, accusing the Prime Minister of “terrorising” political parties and the public through the alleged misuse of government machinery and central investigative agencies.
Speaking at a press conference in Chennai alongside KC Venugopal, the Congress president initially used the word "terrorist" to refer to PM Modi, while attacking the AIADMK’s alliance with the BJP. He later clarified that he did not intend to use the term literally, stating instead that the Prime Minister was "terrorising" the democratic fabric of the country.
"He is terrorising people and political parties. I never said he is a terrorist in the literal sense," Kharge said, adding that the government was misusing its authority to target opposition parties.
Kharge also alleged that institutions such as the Election Commission were functioning as an "extension of the BJP office." He also accused the prime minister of violating the Model Code of Conduct in the final phase of the election campaign through his address to the nation on April 18.
He further claimed that central agencies, including the CBI, ED and the Income Tax Department, were being used to intimidate political opponents.
Taking offence at Kharge's remarks on PM Modi, the BJP called it a "deliberate conspiracy" by the Congress.
Reacting to Kharge's statement, BJP leader Sambit Patra said, "This is not only condemnable but also reflects the Congress party's mindset. This is no slip of tongue. Even if he is offering any explanation, remember this is a deliberate conspiracy by the Congress party... Every day, Rahul Gandhi uses abusive language against the Prime Minister in his speeches, and today, at Rahul's behest, Mallikarjun Kharge called the Prime Minister a terrorist."
"The Congress party should remember that whenever the Congress party has abused the Prime Minister, the people of India have punished it. This time too, the people of India will give a reply," he added.
Meanwhile, Congress leader KC Venugopal defended the party president and said the BJP is attempting to "make a non-issue an issue."
"They (BJP) will try to make a non-issue become an issue... Prime Minister Modi is trying to terrorise people by using ED and the CBI. That's what Mallikarjun Kharge said. You also know all these camera tricks. They are using only that particular clip... And Kharge himself clarified that he does not call PM Modi a 'terrorist'... then why BJP targeting him, that's an unwanted thing," Venugopal said.
Speaking during the last leg of election campaigns in Tamil Nadu, Kharge also targeted the BJP over the now-rejected Constitution Amendment Bill linked to delimitation and implementation of women's reservation in Parliament.
He argued that the government was misleading the public, noting that the Women’s Reservation Bill had already been passed unanimously in 2023.
“If the government is sincere, it can implement 33 per cent reservation for women within the existing 543 Lok Sabha seats. Why delay it?” he asked.
He also raised concerns over the proposed delimitation exercise, warning that it could disadvantage southern and other progressive states that have successfully controlled population growth. According to Kharge, the move could undermine their democratic representation.
Reaffirming the strength of the DMK-Congress alliance, Kharge and Venugopal dismissed speculation of a rift between Rahul Gandhi and M. K. Stalin, describing their relationship as close and cooperative.
Kharge reiterated key promises made by the alliance for Tamil Nadu, including monthly financial assistance for women and senior citizens, enhanced support for food security, and a commitment to fill all government vacancies within 300 days.
(With inputs from PTI, ANI)