Union Home Minister Amit Shah has strongly criticized Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge for a controversial remark during a public rally in Jammu and Kashmir. Kharge, who experienced a brief health issue during his speech, declared he would live until he removed Prime Minister Narendra Modi from power. Shah labeled Kharge’s remark “disgraceful” and a “bitter display of spite,” accusing the Congress of harboring deep-seated hatred and fear toward PM Modi.
Kharge, aged 83, made this statement after briefly halting his speech due to a syncopal attack (a momentary loss of consciousness). Despite his health scare, Kharge resumed, stating that he had no intention of passing away before ousting Modi. This statement triggered a sharp response from Shah, who took to X (formerly Twitter), describing Kharge’s remarks as a reflection of the animosity Congress holds toward Modi. Shah emphasized that such comments were not only distasteful but also unnecessary, as Kharge had brought Modi into his personal health matters.
Shah further highlighted how these remarks underscored Congress’s obsession with Modi, accusing them of constantly thinking about him. He added that both he and Modi prayed for Kharge’s well-being and hoped the Congress leader would live a long life, long enough to witness Modi’s vision of a developed India (Viksit Bharat) by 2047.
Kharge’s remarks came at a sensitive time, with elections approaching and both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress locked in a fierce political battle. Amit Shah’s response is part of a broader BJP strategy to position itself as a party focused on development and national progress, while portraying Congress as driven by personal vendettas and negative sentiments toward Modi.
Political observers have noted that Kharge’s comment, though made in a moment of personal frustration, plays into the larger narrative being shaped ahead of upcoming elections. The BJP has often portrayed Congress as a party stuck in the past, fixated on defeating Modi rather than offering a positive vision for India. Shah’s swift and strong reaction emphasizes the BJP’s focus on keeping the discourse around development and national progress while using Congress’s remarks to paint them as regressive.
This episode is a continuation of the war of words between the two parties, where every remark is scrutinized and used as a weapon in the battle for public opinion. Kharge’s statement, while deeply personal in its origin, has now become a political flashpoint, with both parties using it to strengthen their narratives.
Amid the controversy, Kharge has not walked back his statement, standing by his comment. The Congress, for its part, has tried to downplay the situation, claiming that Kharge’s words were taken out of context and that the focus should be on larger political issues rather than personal attacks.
In the lead-up to critical elections, this exchange between Shah and Kharge demonstrates how political leaders’ statements, even those made in moments of personal vulnerability, can quickly escalate into major talking points in India’s hyper-competitive political landscape(India Today)
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