Mallikarjun Kharge, President of the Indian National Congress, on Tuesday intensified his criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of ‘terrorising’ political parties as well as citizens by allegedly misusing central agencies and government machinery to suppress Opposition voices.
Addressing a press conference in Chennai alongside AICC General Secretary (Organisation) K. C. Venugopal, Kharge initially referred to Modi as a ‘terrorist’ while criticising the alliance between the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) and the Bharatiya Janata Party.
Questioning AIADMK’s alignment with the BJP, Kharge said the Dravidian party—founded on the ideologies of C. N. Annadurai and influenced by Periyar E. V. Ramasamy—was contradicting its own principles. “How can AIADMK, which follows Annadurai’s ideology, align with Modi? He is a terrorist… he does not believe in equality or justice,” Kharge said, adding that such alliances were weakening democracy.
However, after being asked to clarify his remark, Kharge said he did not mean ‘terrorist’ in the literal sense and instead accused the Prime Minister of ‘terrorising’ political opponents.
“He is terrorising people and political parties. I never said he is a terrorist in the literal sense. He is misusing power, government machinery, and intimidating Opposition parties,” Kharge clarified.
He further alleged that institutions such as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Income Tax Department were being used to pressure political opponents.
Reaffirming the strength of the DMK-Congress alliance, Kharge and Venugopal dismissed reports of tension between Rahul Gandhi and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin, describing their relationship as close and cooperative.
Kharge also targeted the Election Commission of India, alleging it functioned like an ‘extension of the BJP office’ and failed to act on alleged violations of the Model Code of Conduct during campaigning.
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On legislative issues, he criticised the Centre’s handling of the women’s reservation law, saying the government misrepresented Opposition actions regarding the Constitution amendment process. He pointed out that the law had already been passed with unanimous support in 2023.
He also questioned the delay in implementation, asking why the government had not introduced 33 per cent reservation for women within the existing 543 Lok Sabha seats instead of linking it to future delimitation.
Kharge warned that the proposed delimitation exercise would unfairly impact southern and northeastern states, arguing it would penalise regions that successfully implemented population control measures. He accused the Centre of attempting to ‘punish progressive states’ for their development outcomes.
Reiterating the INDIA bloc’s promises for Tamil Nadu, Kharge announced plans for monthly financial assistance schemes for women and senior citizens, food security support for families, and a commitment to fill government vacancies within 300 days. He concluded by reiterating that democratic institutions were being undermined and accused the Centre of failing to act impartially during elections.
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