Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge accused the BJP-led central government of harassing non-BJP state governments through governors on January 25, 2026. He urged voters to reject the BJP in upcoming assembly elections to prevent a 'Hitler, Mussolini, Saddam-like rule'. This comes amid tensions in states like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala ahead of 2026 polls.
On National Voters Day, January 25, 2026, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge sharply criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for what he described as interference in opposition-ruled states. Speaking at a public gathering, Kharge accused the central government of instructing governors to disrupt state proceedings, particularly by refusing to read government-prepared speeches during legislative sessions.
"The central government, through the PM office, Home Minister office, directly gives instructions to the Governor not to read the speeches prepared by the Siddaramaiah or Congress government," Kharge said, as quoted by PTI. He highlighted similar issues in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala, where non-BJP governments face gubernatorial hurdles.
Kharge warned of authoritarian tendencies, stating, "To oust the BJP from power, in all the upcoming elections, whether small or big, vote against the BJP... if not, Hitler, Mussolini, Saddam Hussain like rule will come in this country. It has come."
This rhetoric escalates ahead of assembly elections in West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry later in 2026. The BJP, despite national successes, has not gained power in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, or West Bengal, though it recently won in Thiruvananthapuram civic polls.
In Karnataka, Minister NS Boseraju echoed concerns, criticizing Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot: "The Governor is acting like a puppet of the Centre... He has shown great disrespect to the Constitution and the Kannadigas."
Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah marked National Voters Day with a message on X, emphasizing the equal power of every vote and the need to protect the voting system for a developed India.
These exchanges underscore deepening political divides as elections approach.