Union Home Minister Amit Shah strongly criticized Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge for his recent comments, calling them “distasteful and disgraceful.” Kharge, in a speech during a political rally, said that he would stay alive until Prime Minister Narendra Modi is removed from power. Shah expressed his disapproval on social media, highlighting the “hate and fear” that Congress allegedly harbors for the Prime Minister. The remark has ignited a political storm, further intensifying the ongoing tensions between the ruling BJP and Congress.
Amit Shah’s Response: Hate and Fear Towards PM Modi
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Amit Shah didn’t mince words in his response to Kharge’s statement. In his post, Shah stated, “Yesterday, the Congress President Shri Mallikarjun Kharge Ji has outperformed himself, his leaders, and his party in being absolutely distasteful and disgraceful in his speech.” He criticized Kharge for dragging PM Modi into a personal health discussion, adding that it was unnecessary and reflected Congress’ obsession with Modi.
Shah went on to describe Kharge’s remarks as a “bitter display of spite,” noting that it was a testament to the deep-seated animosity Congress holds toward the Prime Minister. According to Shah, Kharge’s focus on removing Modi from power rather than addressing key issues or solutions underscores the Congress party’s singular fixation on the Prime Minister, which is, in Shah’s opinion, unhealthy for Indian democracy.
Kharge’s Speech Sparks Controversy
The controversy stems from a recent speech Kharge gave during a political rally in Jasrota, Jammu and Kashmir. The 83-year-old Congress leader experienced dizziness and fainted briefly during the event. After taking a moment to rest, Kharge resumed his speech, reassuring the crowd that he was fine despite his earlier health scare. He then made the remark that has since caused a political uproar, stating, “I am 83 years old. I am not going to die so early. I will stay alive till (Prime Minister) Modi is removed from power.”
While the statement was likely meant to show Kharge’s commitment to fighting against the BJP government, it has been widely interpreted as distasteful, particularly in the way it intertwined his personal health with a political rivalry. Kharge’s comment not only triggered a strong backlash from the BJP but also led to concerns about the tone of political discourse in India.
PM Modi’s Concern for Kharge’s Health
Despite the political tension, Prime Minister Modi took a humanitarian approach by reaching out to Kharge after hearing about his health issue. According to reports, PM Modi called the Congress President to inquire about his well-being, demonstrating concern for his political adversary’s health.
The gesture by the Prime Minister was appreciated by several members of both parties, showcasing a rare moment of cordiality in an otherwise fierce political battle. PM Modi, during the call, expressed his hope that Kharge recovers quickly and remains healthy, further extending his wishes for a long life. This gesture also prompted Home Minister Amit Shah to publicly offer prayers for Kharge’s long life, stating, “As for the health of Mr. Kharge Ji, Modi Ji prays, I pray, and we all pray that he lives a long, healthy life.”
Mallikarjun Kharge’s Son Addresses Public Concern
Following the incident, Kharge’s son and Karnataka minister Priyank Kharge took to social media to provide an update on his father’s condition. In a post on X, Priyank reassured the public that his father was doing well after the brief health scare. “Congress President Sri @kharge felt slightly unwell while addressing a public meeting in Jasrota, Jammu & Kashmir. He has been checked upon by his medical team and apart from slightly low blood pressure, he is doing well,” Priyank Kharge wrote.
He also expressed gratitude for the concern shown by people and reiterated that his father’s resolve, along with the good wishes of supporters, is what keeps him going strong despite the challenges of political life.
The Political Fallout
Mallikarjun Kharge’s comments have sparked heated debates across political circles, with many BJP leaders, including Amit Shah, accusing Congress of fostering a toxic political environment. Shah’s post emphasized that Congress’ fixation on removing Modi from power overshadows their ability to offer constructive solutions or engage in meaningful dialogue.
The Home Minister concluded his statement by expressing hope that Kharge and Congress members would focus on positive contributions to India’s development rather than indulging in personal attacks against the Prime Minister. Shah also referred to the government’s vision of building a “Viksit Bharat” (developed India) by 2047, suggesting that the political focus should be on long-term goals rather than bitter rivalries.
The fallout from Mallikarjun Kharge’s remarks illustrates the fragile nature of political discourse in India today. While Kharge’s comment may have been intended as a display of resilience and determination, it has instead led to widespread criticism from the BJP. Amit Shah’s condemnation of the statement reflects the deeper tensions between the ruling party and the opposition.
Despite the political heat, Prime Minister Modi’s personal call to Kharge shows that humanity can transcend political rivalry. As the political battle continues, both sides will need to strike a balance between strong opposition and maintaining respect in public discourse.