(Image source from: PTI)

Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge, speaking at a press meeting on Tuesday, labeled Prime Minister Narendra Modi a "terrorist. " When a journalist sought clarification on this remark, Kharge explained that he intended to convey that "PM Modi is scaring people and political groups," insisting he had not labeled the Prime Minister as a terrorist. The BJP reacted quickly and strongly, referring to Congress as an "Urban Naxal Party. " Kharge made the remark about the PM being a terrorist while questioning the AIADMK's decision to align with the BJP for the Tamil Nadu elections. He expressed disbelief, stating, "How can these AIADMK members, who display the image of Annadurai, team up with Modi? He is a terrorist. His party does not support fairness and justice. By joining with them, they are undermining democracy and the ideals of Annadurai, Kamaraj, Periyar, Kaliagnar, and Baba Saheb Ambedkar," Kharge noted.

He emphasized that "The Congress-DMK partnership will keep providing welfare, inclusive growth, quality education, and accessible healthcare. " The comments from the Congress leader came just two days after PM Modi accused Congress and other opposition groups of committing "foeticide" for opposing a bill on women's reservation in Parliament and state assemblies during a national address. When asked to provide context for his statement, Kharge responded, "No, no," while explaining his earlier comment. "What I mean is that he (PM Modi) is intimidating people and political parties. I never claimed he is a terrorist. . . What I want to clarify is that Modi constantly threatens. The agencies like ED, I-T, and CBI operate under his control. He aims to monopolize delimitation as well. Thus, I stated that in that regard, he is terrorizing people and political parties. I did not call him a terrorist," Kharge stated. The BJP did not appreciate this response.