Amit Shah: Kharge unnecessarily involved PM Modi in personal matters.
During a rally in Jammu and Kashmir, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge made a provocative statement, declaring that he would not die until Prime Minister Narendra Modi is “removed” from power. Kharge’s remark came after he experienced a brief moment of dizziness, which he referenced while addressing the crowd. The comment has sparked controversy, with senior BJP leaders, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, criticizing Kharge for unnecessarily dragging PM Modi into personal health matters. Shah expressed that such statements are inappropriate and reflect poorly on the political discourse, urging a focus on constructive debate instead.
The political discourse between the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has taken a sharp turn following Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge’s remarks during a rally in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua, where he said he would not die until Prime Minister Narendra Modi is “removed” from power. Kharge’s comments came after he briefly fell ill during the rally, requiring medical assistance. The incident has triggered strong reactions, particularly from Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who criticized Kharge for dragging the Prime Minister into what he referred to as “personal” health matters.
The incident unfolded on Sunday, when Kharge, while campaigning for the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, felt dizzy and had to take a brief pause from his speech to receive medical attention. Despite his health setback, Kharge resumed his speech with a defiant tone, stating, “We will fight to restore statehood. I am 83 years old. I am not going to die so early.
Shortly after Kharge’s health scare, Prime Minister Modi reached out to the Congress leader, making a personal phone call to check on his well-being. According to official sources cited by news agency PTI, Modi expressed concern and wished Kharge good health, reflecting the Prime Minister’s cordial and humane gesture despite the political differences between the two leaders.
However, it was Kharge’s remark about his determination to outlive Modi’s political career that drew ire from the BJP. On Monday, Amit Shah responded to Kharge’s comments, calling them an “unnecessary” and “distasteful” injection of Modi’s name into a personal matter. Addressing the situation, Shah said, “Mallikarjun Kharge outperformed himself in being absolutely distasteful in his speech. His comments were a bitter display of spite, showing the hate and fear the Congress has for PM Modi. They seem to be thinking of him constantly.”
Shah’s response highlighted the deep political divisions between the Congress and the BJP. He accused the Congress party of harboring animosity toward Modi, which, in his view, was evident in Kharge’s statement. “It’s clear that the Congress can’t seem to stop thinking about Modi Ji, even when it comes to matters of personal health. This is not just about politics, but about the level of hatred and bitterness they have developed,” Shah remarked.
Despite the sharp criticism, Shah offered well wishes for Kharge’s health, showcasing the humanitarian side of the political exchange. “As for the health of Mr. May he continue to live for many years and may he live to see the creation of a Viksit Bharat by 2047,” Shah added, referencing India’s goal of becoming
The political sparring between the two leaders underscores the heightened tensions between the Congress and BJP ahead of upcoming elections. Kharge’s remarks came at a critical time, with Jammu and Kashmir on the cusp of Assembly elections, which are seen as pivotal for the region’s political future. The Congress, led by Kharge, has made restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood a central campaign issue, following the BJP-led government’s decision to revoke the state’s special status in 2019.
Kharge’s declaration that he would not die until Modi is removed from power speaks to the fierce political battlelines drawn between the opposition and the ruling party. His comments reflect the Congress’s broader strategy of positioning itself as the principal force against Modi’s dominance in Indian politics, particularly as the country gears up for the 2024 general elections.
For the BJP, Kharge’s remarks offer another opportunity to highlight what it sees as the opposition’s obsession with Modi, rather than focusing on constructive governance and policy alternatives. Shah’s statement that Kharge’s speech was driven by “hate and fear” plays into the BJP’s narrative that Modi’s leadership has deeply unsettled the Congress and other opposition parties.
The exchange also draws attention to the personal dynamics between political rivals in India, where sharp differences in ideology and governance are often accompanied by personal barbs. Modi’s gesture of calling Kharge to inquire about his health reflects a tradition in Indian politics where rivals maintain a degree of personal respect, even while engaging in intense political battles.
As the political climate intensifies, particularly in light of upcoming elections, it remains to be seen how Kharge’s remarks and Shah’s rebuttal will resonate with the public. While some may see Kharge’s comment as an expression of his commitment to challenging Modi’s rule, others might interpret it as an unnecessary personal attack. Likewise, Shah’s critique of Kharge’s statement could bolster the BJP’s argument that the opposition is focused more on Modi than on presenting alternative solutions for the country.
In the end, this episode reflects the charged nature of Indian politics, where the personal and political often intersect, and leaders from both sides must navigate these complexities while maintaining their positions on key issues affecting the nation.