BJP leaders launched a strong attack on Congress and its president, Mallikarjun Kharge, after he referred to the BJP as a “party of terrorists” during a public address. The BJP accused Kharge of revealing the "character and DNA" of the Congress with such remarks.

Kharge's comments were a response to recent statements by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who had described Congress leaders as “urban Naxals,” a term used by the BJP to label those perceived as threats to national unity. Kharge accused the BJP of violence against minorities, saying, “They lynch, assault, urinate in the mouths of Scheduled Caste members, and rape tribal women.” He further alleged that BJP's silence on these issues was broken only after their recent electoral victory in Haryana, calling the party “a party of terrorists.”

The remarks triggered swift backlash from BJP leaders, who condemned Kharge's language. BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla criticized Congress, accusing it of disrespecting both the people and the Prime Minister. "Insulting the public is Congress's identity," Poonawalla said, also pointing to past statements from senior Congress leaders blaming external factors for electoral defeats, such as Randeep Surjewala calling voters "rakshasi" (demonic). Poonawalla argued this reflected Congress’s internal culture.

BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi accused Congress of holding a "maligned mindset" and questioned Kharge’s progressive claims by pointing to Congress’s stance on issues like polygamy, triple talaq, and hijab, arguing these positions were not progressive and illustrated the "urban Naxal mentality" within the party.

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi joined the chorus of criticism, recalling past controversies surrounding Congress. He accused Congress of sympathizing with terrorists, mentioning Sonia Gandhi's alleged emotional response to the Batla House encounter and the party's soft stance on figures like Afzal Guru. Joshi added that, under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, terrorist activities had significantly declined, contrasting it with Congress's tenure when “Kashmiri youths had stones instead of jobs.”

BJP leader Gourav Vallabh further slammed Kharge’s statement, comparing his rhetoric to that of Pakistan and extremist groups. Vallabh suggested that Kharge’s language mirrored that of "extremists and fundamentalists," implying a dangerous alignment of views. “The country is watching,” he concluded, leaving the public to judge the situation for themselves.

The BJP has continued to defend its stance, positioning itself as a party committed to national security and accusing Congress of playing divisive politics with such inflammatory remarks.