Delhi BJP chief Harsh Malhotra demands Kejriwal apologise for calling PM Modi 'terrorist'
Synopsis
Delhi BJP President Harsh Malhotra has demanded a public apology from AAP's Arvind Kejriwal after the latter allegedly called PM Modi a 'terrorist' — a charge the BJP says is unparliamentary and an insult to 1.4 billion Indians. The escalation signals a sharp new low in the BJP-AAP rivalry in Delhi.
Key Takeaways
Delhi BJP President Harsh Malhotra on 21 July condemned Arvind Kejriwal for allegedly calling PM Narendra Modi a 'terrorist.' Malhotra called the remark 'unparliamentary' and a 'direct insult to 1.4 billion Indians .' The BJP formally demanded Kejriwal issue a public apology , warning of democratic opposition if he refuses.
Malhotra alleged Kejriwal faces unverified claims of links to 'terrorist organisations and separatist elements,' which Kejriwal has previously denied.
The BJP cited the Delhi liquor policy case and 10 years of AAP governance as context for what it called Kejriwal's 'political frustration.' Malhotra also paid tributes on the 7th death anniversary of former Delhi BJP President Mange Ram Garg at events in Ashok Vihar and the party office.
Delhi Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Harsh Malhotra on Tuesday, 21 July sharply condemned Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal for allegedly calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi a 'terrorist', demanding an immediate public apology. Malhotra called the remark 'unparliamentary' and a 'direct insult to the self-respect of 1.4 billion Indians.'
The Condemnation
Malhotra invoked India's counter-terror record under Modi's government, citing surgical strikes, air strikes, and action against terror infrastructure as evidence of the Prime Minister's anti-terrorism credentials. 'Today, the entire world sees India as one of the strongest voices against terrorism,' Malhotra said.
He further alleged that Kejriwal himself faces 'serious allegations of links with terrorist organisations and separatist elements,' arguing this strips the AAP leader of any 'moral standing' to level such a charge against the Prime Minister. These allegations against Kejriwal have not been independently verified, and Kejriwal has previously denied such claims.
BJP's Political Broadside
Malhotra framed Kejriwal's remarks as a product of political desperation following AAP's loss of power in Delhi. 'His remarks reflect his political frustration, moral decline, and desperation over the loss of power in Delhi,' he said.
The BJP chief also invoked the Delhi liquor policy case, in which Kejriwal was arrested and has since been released on bail, as evidence of governance failure. 'The people of Delhi gave Kejriwal 10 years. What did they get in return? Corruption, the liquor scam, and now insults directed at the Prime Minister,' Malhotra said.
Demand for Apology
The Delhi BJP has formally demanded that Kejriwal issue a public apology to the nation and to Prime Minister Modi. Malhotra warned that failing to do so would invite strong opposition from 'BJP workers and the people of Delhi through democratic means.' The party stopped short of announcing specific protests or legal action.
Tribute to Mange Ram Garg
Earlier on the same day, Malhotra attended programmes marking the 7th death anniversary of former Delhi BJP President Mange Ram Garg — held at the Delhi BJP office and at a separate event in Ashok Vihar. Delhi BJP General Secretary Vishnu Mittal and Yogita Singh, along with several party workers, offered floral tributes. Malhotra described Garg as 'a symbol of organisational skills' who 'rose from a grassroots worker to State President.'
The BJP-AAP war of words is likely to intensify as both parties manoeuvre ahead of upcoming civic and state electoral cycles in the capital.
Point of View
The liquor scam (sub-judice), and electoral defeat (verifiable), packaging three distinct BJP attack lines into a single press moment. What is missing from this exchange is Kejriwal's original context — the precise circumstances in which the word was used matter enormously, and without them, the public cannot assess proportionality. Delhi's political discourse has grown increasingly personal since AAP lost power, and this episode suggests neither side is inclined to de-escalate heading into the next electoral cycle.
NationPress
22 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Arvind Kejriwal say about PM Modi that triggered the BJP's response?
According to Delhi BJP President Harsh Malhotra, Arvind Kejriwal called Prime Minister Narendra Modi a 'terrorist.' The BJP has condemned the remark as unparliamentary and demanded a public apology. The precise context in which Kejriwal used the word has not been detailed in official BJP statements.
What has the Delhi BJP demanded from Kejriwal?
The Delhi BJP has demanded that Arvind Kejriwal immediately issue a public apology to the nation and to Prime Minister Modi. Malhotra warned that failing to do so would invite strong opposition from BJP workers and Delhi citizens through democratic means.
What allegations did Harsh Malhotra make against Kejriwal?
Malhotra alleged that Kejriwal faces 'serious allegations of links with terrorist organisations and separatist elements,' and argued this denies him moral authority to use such language against the Prime Minister. These allegations have not been independently verified, and Kejriwal has previously denied similar claims.
What is the political background to this dispute?
AAP lost power in Delhi after holding it for 10 years, and Kejriwal was arrested in connection with the Delhi liquor policy case before being released on bail. The BJP has repeatedly cited these developments to frame AAP's current political posture as one of desperation.
Who was Mange Ram Garg, and why was he remembered on 21 July?
Mange Ram Garg was a former Delhi BJP President remembered as a grassroots organiser who rose to lead the state unit. The 21 July events marked his 7th death anniversary, with Malhotra and other party leaders offering floral tributes at the Delhi BJP office and in Ashok Vihar.
