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by IANS |
Jaipur, April 22 (IANS) Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma and former CM Vasundhara Raje have demanded a public apology from Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge for his remarks regarding the Prime Minister, calling his comments an affront to democratic values and the mandate of 1.4 billion Indians.
CM Sharma wrote on his X handle, "The derogatory language used by Shri Mallikarjun Kharge against our Honorable Prime Minister, Shri @narendramodi Ji, reflects the Congress party’s deteriorating political culture and mindset. This is not merely a remark directed at an individual, but an affront to the nation’s leadership, chosen through a democratic mandate. Such disrespect toward the will of 1.4 billion Indians underscores the Congress party’s growing frustration and desperation."
"Instead of engaging in meaningful discussions on substantive issues, resorting to undignified rhetoric appears to be becoming their defining trait. Mr. Kharge, while democracy guarantees the right to dissent, maintaining decorum is essential. You must offer a public apology to the nation for the language you have used," he added.
Former CM Vasundhara Raje also took to social media and said on X, "The objectionable remarks made by Congress President Shri Mallikarjun Kharge against the Honorable Prime Minister, Shri @narendramodi Ji, are not only inappropriate but also signal a serious decline in political propriety. I condemn these remarks in the strongest terms. The use of such undignified language suggests that the Congress party is increasingly unable to engage in constructive debate on important issues."
"This statement constitutes an insult to the mandate and trust placed by the people of this country - indeed, an affront to the entire nation. Shri Mallikarjun Kharge must immediately apologize to the nation for making such irresponsible and unfortunate remarks," she said.
The controversy stems from a statement made by Kharge during a recent press conference in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. In a controversial remark, Kharge allegedly referred to the Prime Minister using terms such as “terrorist” while questioning how opposition parties could align with the BJP. As backlash grew, Kharge clarified that he meant the Prime Minister was “terrorising” political opponents and engaging in what he described as “tax terrorism.”
The BJP, however, has rejected this explanation.
Reacting strongly on social media, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma termed the remarks a reflection of the Congress party’s “frustration and desperation”. He said the language used was not merely an attack on an individual but an insult to a democratically elected leader and the people of India.
CM Sharma urged Kharge to maintain decorum and issue a public apology.
Echoing similar sentiments, Vasundhara Raje described the remarks as a “decline in political values”. She said using such language for the Prime Minister’s office is unacceptable. She accused the Congress of avoiding substantive debate and resorting to personal attacks. Raje also demanded an immediate apology from Kharge to the nation.
The BJP is likely to take the issue to the public, emphasising Prime Minister Modi’s popularity in Rajasthan. Party leaders argue that such remarks hurt public sentiment and undermine democratic norms.
With key issues like the Pachpadra refinery and drinking water projects already shaping political discourse, this controversy has further intensified the state’s political climate.
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