India, April 22 -- War of words escalates as Kharge accuses PM Modi of terrorising democracy, prompting BJP condemnation

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge ignited political controversy on Tuesday by calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi a "terrorist" in his criticism, later clarifying that he meant the PM is "terrorising" people, after swift backlash from the BJP.

Questioning how the AIADMK - a party rooted in the Dravidian ideologies of Periyar and CN Annadurai - could justify partnering with Prime Minister Modi, Kharge said: "How these AIADMK people, who themselves put the photo of Annadurai... how can they join with Modi? He is a terrorist...He doesn't believe in equality. His party won't believe in equality and justice. And these peo...