'Breached every standard of public conduct': Amit Shah blasts Kharge’s ‘terrorist’ remark

Shah said the remark had “breached every standard of public conduct” and brought “shame to the nation”.

‘Congress hitting new lows’

“Every day, the Congress is hitting new lows in its demeanour,” Shah said, adding that the comment was an insult not just to the Prime Minister but also to millions of his supporters.

He described the statement as “highly condemnable” and asserted that the public would respond politically.

Kharge’s remark in Chennai

Kharge commented at a press conference in Chennai while criticising the AIADMK’s alliance with the BJP ahead of the Tamil Nadu elections.

Invoking leaders such as C.N. Annadurai, K. Kamaraj, Periyar, M. Karunanidhi and B.R. Ambedkar, Kharge questioned how the AIADMK could align with the BJP, alleging it weakened their ideological legacy.

Clarification after backlash

Facing criticism, Kharge later clarified that he did not literally mean to call Modi a terrorist.

“He is terrorising people and political parties… I never said he is a terrorist,” he said, alleging misuse of central agencies like the ED, Income Tax Department, and CBI.

Union Minister Piyush Goyal called on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin to apologise, terming the remark an insult to the country.

Complaint to Election Commission

The BJP has approached the Election Commission of India, calling the remark “grossly derogatory” and alleging a violation of the Model Code of Conduct.

The party has sought action against Kharge, including a public apology, restrictions on campaigning, and legal proceedings under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.

Delegation to meet poll panel

A BJP delegation, including Union Ministers Nirmala Sitharaman, Kiren Rijiju, and Arjun Ram Meghwal, is scheduled to meet Election Commission officials on Wednesday to press for action.