Kharge Calls Modi Terrorist in Tamil Nadu Poll Speech

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge sparked controversy on April 21 in Chennai by referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a "terrorist" during a press conference, as he criticized the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK)'s alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ahead of Tamil Nadu's Assembly elections. Kharge later clarified that he meant the prime minister was "terrorising" political opponents through the misuse of central agencies, not labeling him a terrorist in the literal sense.

The remarks came on the final day of campaigning for the single-phase polls scheduled for April 23, with results expected on May 4. Kharge, addressing supporters and reporters alongside All India Congress Committee General Secretary K.C. Venugopal, accused the AIADMK of weakening democracy and betraying Tamil Nadu's ideological traditions by partnering with the BJP. He highlighted the state's history of progressive leaders like Periyar, B.R. Ambedkar, C.N. Annadurai, K. Kamaraj, and M. Karunanidhi, who championed equality, justice, and social reform. "How can they join with Modi, who won't believe in equality? His party won't believe in equality and justice," Kharge...