Kharge Questions PM Modi’s ‘Chaiwala’ Narrative as BJP Fires Back
Political sparring intensified on Monday after Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge took aim at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s long-repeated “chaiwala” narrative, describing it as political theatre designed to appeal to voters. His remarks quickly drew a strong response from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which accused the opposition of mocking humble beginnings.
Speaking at a public event, Kharge challenged the authenticity of the Prime Minister’s claims about selling tea in his youth, suggesting the story was amplified during election seasons to generate sympathy and support.
BJP Pushes Back
The ruling party reacted swiftly, with senior leaders defending the Prime Minister’s background and criticising Kharge for what they called dismissive language toward working-class families. BJP spokespersons argued that Modi’s personal journey remains an inspiration for many citizens and rejected the charge that it was being used merely as campaign messaging.
Party representatives also accused the Congress leadership of attempting to divert attention from policy debates by focusing on personal narratives instead of governance issues.
Fresh Political Exchange Ahead of Polls
The exchange adds to a series of verbal confrontations between leaders of the two parties as political temperatures rise ahead of upcoming elections. Similar disputes over personal histories and public storytelling have surfaced in previous campaigns as well.
Observers note that such exchanges often resonate strongly online, where short clips and quotes circulate rapidly across social media platforms and become talking points in the wider political discourse.
For now, neither side appears inclined to soften its stance, ensuring that the debate around political narratives and campaign messaging will remain part of the election-season conversation.
