Bhubaneswar (Odisha), April 22, 2026: Manmohan Samal, Odisha BJP State President and Rajya Sabha MP, strongly criticised Mallikarjun Kharge over his controversial remark directed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He condemned the language used and stressed the need for maintaining dignity in political discourse.
Reacting to the statement, Samal said that such remarks from a senior political leader are unacceptable. He urged leaders across parties to maintain decorum while expressing their views in public. According to him, political debates should remain respectful and focused on issues rather than personal attacks.
Calls for Decorum in Political Discourse
Samal emphasised that the tone and language used by leaders set an example for the public. He stated that Kharge’s comment crossed the boundaries of acceptable political conduct. He further added that statements made by senior leaders carry greater responsibility and should reflect maturity.
Moreover, he questioned how such a remark could be justified and said that it cannot be condemned strongly enough. He also pointed out that such incidents damage the quality of political communication in the country.
Questions Raised on Congress Leadership
The Odisha BJP chief also raised questions about the response of the Indian National Congress leadership. He said that the controversy presents a test for the party to take appropriate action against its own president.
He further urged political leaders to think carefully before making public statements, especially on sensitive matters. According to him, responsible communication is essential to maintain trust and respect in democratic politics.
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 AIADMK and BJP. During his speech, he made sharp remarks against Prime Minister Modi, which triggered strong reactions from BJP leaders across the country.
The remarks quickly became a major political issue, drawing criticism from several BJP leaders. The incident has further intensified the ongoing political confrontation between the BJP and Congress.
Kharge Issues Clarification
Following the backlash, Mallikarjun Kharge issued a clarification regarding 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”.
Kharge also alleged that central agencies like the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Income Tax Department, and CBI are being used to pressure opposition parties. He claimed that his statement was misinterpreted and taken out of context.
Political Tensions Continue to Rise
The controversy has added to the growing tensions between the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Congress. Leaders from both sides continue to exchange strong statements, reflecting the intensity of political competition.
Political analysts believe that such controversies highlight the need for maintaining standards in public discourse. They also point out that strong language and personal attacks often shift focus away from policy discussions.
The remarks by Manmohan Samal underline the ongoing debate over political language and decorum. While he condemned Kharge’s statement, the Congress leader defended his position through clarification. As political tensions continue, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of respectful communication in a लोकतांत्रिक system.
