New Delhi, April 22, 2026: Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched a sharp attack on Indian National Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge over his controversial remarks about Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Shah said the Congress party has reached a new low in political discourse and accused its leadership of crossing all limits of propriety.
In a post on social media platform X, Shah strongly condemned Kharge’s statement. He said such remarks insult not only the prime minister but also millions of citizens who support him. He further added that such language damages the dignity of democratic institutions.
“Congress Lowering Standards of Public Discourse”
Amit Shah stated that the Congress continues to degrade the quality of political debate. He claimed that Kharge’s comment reflects a pattern of irresponsible statements by the party. According to Shah, calling an elected Prime Minister a “terrorist” is highly condemnable and unacceptable in a democracy.
Moreover, he highlighted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has played a significant role in curbing terrorism over the past decade. He argued that such allegations are baseless and politically motivated. Shah also expressed confidence that the people of India will respond to such remarks through democratic means.
BJP Leaders React Strongly
Following Shah’s remarks, several leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party also criticised Kharge. BJP National Spokesperson CR Kesavan condemned the statement and described it as a reflection of a “toxic mindset” within the Congress leadership.
Kesavan further alleged that such comments reveal a deeper issue in the party’s approach to politics. He said the people of India are rejecting what he termed as “politics of hate.” Additionally, he claimed that such controversies remind voters about the differences between political ideologies and leadership styles.
Controversy Originates from Tamil Nadu Speech
The controversy began during Kharge’s speech in Tamil Nadu on the final day of an election campaign. While addressing a gathering, he criticised the alliance between the AIADMK and BJP. During his speech, he made strong remarks against Prime Minister Modi, which triggered immediate political backlash.
Furthermore, Kharge referred to ideological differences and accused the BJP of not supporting principles such as equality and justice. His comments drew sharp reactions from BJP leaders across the country, escalating the political confrontation.
Kharge Issues Clarification
After facing widespread criticism, Mallikarjun Kharge clarified his statement. He said that he did not intend to call Prime Minister Modi a terrorist. Instead, he explained that he meant Modi “terrorises political opponents” through the use of central agencies.
He added that institutions like the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Income Tax Department, and CBI are being used to pressure opposition parties. According to Kharge, his remarks were taken out of context and misinterpreted.
Political Tensions Rise Ahead of Elections
The incident has intensified political tensions between the BJP and Congress. Both parties continue to exchange strong statements, highlighting the growing rivalry ahead of the upcoming elections. Political analysts believe such controversies often shape public narratives and influence voter perception.
Meanwhile, leaders from both sides are actively addressing supporters and defending their positions. The debate has also sparked discussions about the tone and standards of political communication in India.
The clash between Amit Shah and Mallikarjun Kharge highlights the ongoing political friction between the BJP and Congress. While Shah criticised the remarks as unacceptable, Kharge defended his position through clarification. As political discourse heats up, such incidents continue to draw attention to the language and conduct of leaders in India’s democratic space.
