Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan on Wednesday made a pointed remark against Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge during a public event in Bidar, saying he appears unable to clearly distinguish between “terrorists” and those who are “terror to terrorists,” amid an ongoing political row over comments made about Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Vice President made the statement while attending the Amrit Mahotsava celebration of Dr Basavalinga Pattadevaru Mahaswamiji of Hiremath Samsthan at Sri Channabasavashram. Notably, Kharge was also present at the event, making the remarks politically significant in the context of the escalating national debate.

Referring to Kharge in a lighter yet critical tone, Radhakrishnan said, “I get a little difference between our Kharge ji... Sometimes I feel Kharge ji does not differentiate between the black and white, sometimes between the terrorists and the terror to terrorists. Otherwise, I have no problem; he is a very good friend of mine.” The comment came as tensions continued to rise over Kharge’s recent description of Prime Minister Modi as a “terrorist,” a remark that has triggered sharp reactions from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

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The controversy began when Kharge, while criticising the AIADMK’s alliance with the BJP ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, referred to PM Modi as a “terrorist.” He later clarified that his intention was to suggest that the Prime Minister was “terrorising people and political parties,” and not to label him literally as a terrorist. Despite the clarification, the statement sparked a strong political backlash.

Senior BJP leaders, including Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda, condemned the remark, calling it an insult to the democratic mandate of the country’s voters. He accused the Congress of making irresponsible statements driven by electoral pressure and said the public would respond appropriately. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also criticised Kharge, stating that the comment crossed the limits of public discourse and alleging that it undermined the dignity of the office of the Prime Minister. The exchange has further intensified political tensions between the ruling party and the Congress, with both sides trading accusations over language and conduct in public debate. The issue continues to dominate political discussions as parties gear up for upcoming elections in multiple states.

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