Now the final stretch of the Tamil Nadu Assembly polls 2026 has been marked by a high-octane verbal clash. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge sparked a massive row on Tuesday, April 21, by referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “terrorist” during a press conference in Chennai. Therefore, the Mallikarjun Kharge PM Modi terrorist remark has become the central focus of the national political narrative, drawing immediate and sharp condemnation from the BJP leadership.
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Meanwhile, Kharge has issued a clarification, stating that his words were taken out of context.
But the BJP is moving ahead with formal complaints, with a senior delegation scheduled to meet the Election Commission of India (ECI) this Wednesday morning.
Also Read |Tamil Nadu Voter List Purge: 97 Lakh Names Deleted in SIR Phase 1
What Mallikarjun Kharge Said in Chennai
Now we must look at the specific phrasing that triggered the controversy. Speaking on the final day of campaigning in Chennai, Kharge was questioned about the AIADMK’s decision to join hands with the BJP. Therefore, his response focused on the ideological incompatibility of the alliance.
The Controversial Statement
First, he cited Dravidian icons like Periyar, Dr. Ambedkar, and Annadurai as symbols of justice and equality. Then, he argued that PM Modi does not stand for these principles. Thus, he questioned the AIADMK’s logic: “How can these AIADMK people join hands with Modi? He is a terrorist. His party does not believe in equality and justice.” Next, he claimed that such alliances are “weakening democracy.” Therefore, the Mallikarjun Kharge PM Modi terrorist remark immediately went viral, sparking a firestorm on social media.
The Clarification: “Terrorising” vs. “Terrorist”
Now, as the backlash intensified, the Congress President sought to put his statement in a specific context. When pressed by reporters later that day, he offered a detailed explanation.
Abuse of Power Allegations
First, Kharge clarified that he was referring to the “terrorising” of political opponents. Then, he alleged that PM Modi uses central agencies like the ED, I-T Department, and CBI as tools for intimidation. Thus, he argued that “tax terrorism” is being facilitated by the PM to silence dissent. Next, he emphasized: “I never said he is a terrorist… he is terrorising people and political parties.” Therefore, he insisted that the term was a description of the Prime Minister’s actions rather than his identity.
BJP’s Sharp Reaction: “Urban Naxal” and “Dynasty” Jibes
Now the BJP’s top brass has launched a scathing counter-attack. Leaders have accused the Congress of “stooping to a new low.” Therefore, the Mallikarjun Kharge PM Modi terrorist remark is being framed as an insult to the Indian democratic mandate.
Condemnation from the Top
First, Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman called the remark “atrocious” and claimed that the language of hate “blinds reason.” Then, the BJP IT Cell accused the Congress of being an “Urban Naxal” party that resorts to abuse when cornered. Thus, they argued that the statement humiliates the 140 crore Indians who democratically elected the Prime Minister. Next, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan stated that this “desperation” indicates that the Opposition has no policy left. Therefore, the BJP is positioning this as a fight for the “dignity” of the Prime Minister’s office.
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Meeting the Election Commission: The Formal Complaint
Now the battle has moved to the regulatory sphere. A high-level BJP delegation is scheduled to meet the Election Commission of India this Wednesday morning. Therefore, the legal consequences for Kharge could be significant.
The Delegation Members
First, the group includes Union Ministers Nirmala Sitharaman, Kiren Rijiju, and Arjun Ram Meghwal. Then, they will present a memorandum seeking a public apology and a ban on the dissemination of the “terrorist” jibe. Thus, they are alleging a blatant violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). Next, the party is seeking penal proceedings under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Therefore, the EC’s response will be a critical development for the 2026 election cycle.
Context of the Clash: Women’s Reservation Bill and “Foeticide”
Now we must understand the background of this hostility. The verbal war has escalated since the failure of the Constitution amendment Bill to advance women’s reservation. Therefore, both sides are using extreme rhetoric to gain the moral high ground.
The “Foeticide” Jibe
First, PM Modi recently described the Opposition’s vote against the Bill as “bhroon hatya” (female foeticide). Then, Kharge responded in Chennai by calling the PM “anti-women” and a “liar.” Thus, the Mallikarjun Kharge PM Modi terrorist remark is the latest volley in a cycle of personal vilification. Next, the Congress insists that the Bill was clubbed with delimitation to create confusion. Therefore, the debate over social justice has transformed into a series of deeply personal insults.
Piyush Goyal and Nirmala Sitharaman Lead the Charge
Now senior Cabinet ministers have been vocal in their demands for an apology. Piyush Goyal explicitly demanded that Rahul Gandhi and MK Stalin apologize alongside Kharge.
Insult to Tamil Nadu
First, Goyal claimed that the “unholy alliance” of Congress and DMK is effectively calling Indians terrorists. Then, he emphasized that this statement humiliates our “eight crore Tamil brothers and sisters.” Thus, he is attempting to link the remark to regional pride before the polls. Next, Sitharaman argued that Kharge’s decades in politics “don’t matter” when serving a “dynasty.” Therefore, the BJP is using the incident to highlight its favorite theme of “merit vs. family rule.”
Also Read |Tamil Nadu Voter List Purge: 97 Lakh Names Deleted in SIR Phase 1
Impact on the Tamil Nadu Assembly Polls 2026
Now, with the state going to the polls on April 23, the timing of this row is pivotal. Both alliances are hoping that this controversy will sway the undecided voter.
Campaigning Climax
First, the INDIA bloc (Congress-DMK) is focusing on social justice and secularism. Then, the NDA (BJP-AIADMK) is focusing on national pride and developmental facts. Thus, the Mallikarjun Kharge PM Modi terrorist remark acts as a “disruptor” that could either consolidate the Opposition’s base or trigger a “sympathy wave” for the PM. Next, K. Annamalai claimed that the “dirty language” shows that the INDIA bloc is staring at a huge defeat. Therefore, the election results will be the ultimate verdict on this rhetoric.
The Legal Angle: Model Code of Conduct and BNS Provisions
Now the BJP’s memorandum to the ECI highlights specific legal violations. They argue that personal vilification undermines the principle of “free and fair elections.”
Specific Demands
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Public Apology: Directing Kharge to retract his remarks and apologize to the nation.
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Campaign Restrictions: Imposing corrective measures or restrictions on his campaign activities.
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Digital Takedown: Directing social media platforms to remove the statement.
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BNS Inquiry: Initiating penal proceedings under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
First, the BJP argues that the remark inflames passions and lowers the level of campaign discourse. Then, the ECI must decide if the clarification issued by Kharge is sufficient to mitigate the violation. Thus, the legal precedent set here will affect how leaders communicate for the rest of the 2026 season.
Common Questions Answered
What did Mallikarjun Kharge say about PM Modi?
Now he called PM Modi a “terrorist” while speaking in Chennai, questioning how the AIADMK could ally with his party.
How did Kharge clarify his terrorist remark?
First, he stated that he meant the PM was “terrorising” politicians and political parties using agencies like the ED and CBI. Then, he explicitly said, “I never said he is a terrorist.”
What is the BJP’s plan regarding this statement?
Next, a senior delegation including Nirmala Sitharaman is meeting the Election Commission on April 22 to file a formal complaint.
Is this a violation of the Model Code of Conduct?
So the BJP alleges it is a form of “extreme personal vilification” and a “gross violation” of the MCC. Thus, the ECI will investigate the complaint.
Why was Kharge speaking in Chennai?
Finally, he was there for the final day of campaigning for the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, which are scheduled for April 23, 2026.
Also Read |Tamil Nadu Voter List Purge: 97 Lakh Names Deleted in SIR Phase 1
End…
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