Political War of Words
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday, September 30, strongly criticized Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge for his comments involving Prime Minister Narendra Modi during an election rally in Jammu and Kashmir. Shah labeled Kharge’s remarks as “distasteful and disgraceful,” accusing him of dragging PM Modi into his personal health issues unnecessarily. The exchange has intensified the political tensions between the BJP and Congress ahead of key elections.
Kharge’s Controversial Remarks
The controversy erupted after Mallikarjun Kharge fell ill while addressing a public rally in Kathua, Jammu and Kashmir, on Sunday, September 29. The 83-year-old Congress leader momentarily felt faint and had to be assisted by security personnel and party leaders. Resuming his speech after a brief pause, Kharge stated, “I am not going to die so early. I will stay alive till PM Modi is removed from power.”
This remark, which tied Kharge’s personal health to the removal of Modi from office, was met with backlash from the BJP, sparking a political firestorm.
Amit Shah’s Response
In a sharp response, Amit Shah lashed out at Kharge for making what he described as a “bitter display of spite.” Shah accused the Congress leader of harboring deep-seated animosity towards PM Modi and questioned why the prime minister was brought into a conversation about Kharge’s personal health.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Shah said, “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. In a bitter display of spite, he unnecessarily dragged PM Modi into his personal health matters.” Shah further added that Kharge’s comments reflect how much “hate and fear” Congress harbors towards Modi, suggesting that Modi is constantly on their minds.
Prayers for Kharge’s Health
Despite the heated political rhetoric, Shah offered prayers for Kharge’s health. In the same post, Shah expressed his wishes for Kharge to live a long and healthy life, adding, “May he continue to live for many years and may he live to see the creation of a Viksit Bharat by 2047.” The phrase “Viksit Bharat” refers to the BJP’s vision of a developed India by the year 2047, the centenary of India’s independence.
PM Modi’s Call to Kharge
Despite the political spat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi demonstrated a gesture of goodwill by reaching out to Mallikarjun Kharge to inquire about his health. On Sunday, September 29, Modi reportedly spoke to Kharge following his health scare at the rally. Kharge’s son, Priyank Kharge, later confirmed that his father was doing well after receiving medical attention, citing low blood pressure as the cause of his brief unwellness.
Politics Amid Personal Health Concerns
While Kharge’s health scare momentarily shifted focus, the political sparring between the BJP and Congress continued unabated. Amit Shah’s condemnation of Kharge’s remarks underscores the ongoing friction between the two parties. However, amidst the political war of words, there were moments of humanity, as demonstrated by PM Modi’s call to check on Kharge’s well-being. As the political landscape intensifies ahead of upcoming elections, such episodes highlight the complex interplay between personal health and political rivalry.
(With inputs from agencies)
