Kharge row: Vice president Radhakrishnan takes swipe, says distinction on terror ‘not clear’
Kharge row: vice president Radhakrishnan takes swipe, says distinction on terror ‘not clear ’
Bidar: Amid the ongoing political storm over remarks made by Mallikarjun Kharge, Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan on Wednesday took a subtle dig, saying there appears to be confusion in distinguishing between terrorists and those who fight terror.
Speaking at the Amrut Mahotsav celebrations of Dr. Basavalinga Pattadevaru at Sri Channabasavashrama in Bidar, the Vice President remarked that while he clearly understands the difference, Kharge “sometimes does not seem to recognise it.” The comment, delivered in a measured tone, drew attention as it came in the backdrop of a major political controversy.
“Personally, I have no issue with Kharge ji; he is a good friend. But at times, he does not differentiate between terrorists and those who create fear among terrorists,” Radhakrishnan said, indirectly referring to the recent remarks targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The controversy erupted after Kharge, during a press interaction in Chennai alongside senior Congress leader K. C. Venugopal, allegedly described the Prime Minister in controversial terms. The statement triggered sharp reactions from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which accused the Congress of insulting the mandate of 140 crore Indians.
Kharge later issued a clarification, stating that his remarks were intended to convey that the Prime Minister instills fear among political opponents and the public, and not to equate him with terrorism. However, the clarification failed to quell the outrage.
Senior BJP leaders intensified their criticism, with party president J. P. Nadda stating that the public would give a fitting response to such comments. Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah termed the remarks “deeply condemnable” and accused Kharge of lowering the standards of public discourse.
In a post on social media, Shah said calling an elected Prime Minister a terrorist was an insult to democratic values and the nation. He further asserted that the Modi government has taken strong measures to curb terrorism over the past decade.
The political exchange has intensified ahead of key electoral battles, with both sides sharpening their rhetoric. Analysts say such statements risk diverting attention from governance issues and may deepen political polarisation.
As the debate continues, Radhakrishnan’s remarks have added a new dimension to the controversy, reflecting concern over the tone of political discourse. Whether the issue will impact public opinion remains to be seen, but it has undeniably reignited discussions on the limits of political criticism in a democracy
