Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Apr 22: Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday clarified that he did not call Prime Minister Narendra Modi a 'terrorist,' asserting that his remarks were misinterpreted, even as he accused the Prime Minister of 'terrorising' political opponents.
Amid a political controversy over his earlier statement, the Congress president said his comments were taken out of context and were aimed at criticising what he described as an atmosphere of fear created for opposition leaders.
Kharge maintained that his use of the word 'terrorising' referred to alleged intimidation through investigative agencies and political pressure, and not as a personal label against the Prime Minister.
The clarification came after strong reactions from leaders of the ruling party, who condemned the remarks and demanded an apology, accusing the Congress leader of using inappropriate language against the Prime Minister.
Responding to the criticism, Kharge defended his statement and reiterated that several opposition leaders have been facing action from central agencies, which he claimed was being used as a tool to target political rivals.
He alleged that such actions were creating pressure on opposition parties and undermining democratic functioning, adding that his remarks should be seen in that context rather than as a direct personal attack.
The row has further escalated political tensions, with both the ruling party and the opposition engaging in a war of words over the issue.
Political observers note that the controversy reflects the increasingly sharp rhetoric in the run-up to key political contests, with leaders intensifying their attacks and counter-attacks.
The episode has once again brought focus on the use of language in political discourse, as well as broader concerns over the functioning of institutions and the relationship between the government and the opposition.
As the debate continues, both sides remain firm in their positions, with the ruling party demanding accountability for the remarks and the opposition defending them as a critique of governance and political practices.