Election Commission issues notice to Mallikarjun Kharge over ‘terrorist’ remark on PM Modi
The Election Commission of India on Wednesday issued a notice to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge over his “terrorist” remark targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking his response within 24 hours.
The poll body’s action came hours after a delegation of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders, including Union Ministers Nirmala Sitharaman, Kiren Rijiju and Arjun Ram Meghwal, met the full bench to lodge a formal complaint.
The BJP alleged that Kharge’s remark violated election norms and demanded strict action.
Calling it a serious issue, the Commission said the statement could amount to a breach of the Model Code of Conduct.
Kharge’s remark and clarification
The controversy stems from Kharge’s remarks at a press conference in Tamil Nadu, where he questioned the AIADMK’s alliance with the BJP and referred to the Prime Minister as a “terrorist”.
“How can they join Modi? He is a terrorist… his party won’t believe in equality and justice,” Kharge said, invoking leaders like CN Annadurai, Kamaraj, Periyar, M Karunanidhi and B R Ambedkar.
However, facing backlash, the Congress chief later clarified that he did not intend to label the Prime Minister as a terrorist.
He said his comments referred to what he described as “tax terrorism” and alleged misuse of agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate, Income Tax Department and CBI.
“I did not call him a terrorist… I said he is terrorising political opponents through raids,” Kharge said.
BJP slams Congress, calls remark ‘unprecedented’
The ruling BJP strongly condemned the statement, with leaders calling it “shocking” and “unprecedented” in Indian politics.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said such language lowers the dignity of democratic discourse and expressed confidence that the Election Commission would take appropriate action.
Amit Shah targets Congress leadership
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also attacked the Congress, linking Kharge’s remarks to party leader Rahul Gandhi.
“The Narendra Modi who eradicated terrorism is being called a terrorist by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge. Staying around Rahul Gandhi has started to corrupt Kharge ji’s language too,” Shah said while addressing a rally in Dum Dum, West Bengal.
The Election Commission’s notice has added a new flashpoint to an already heated political environment, with both sides trading sharp accusations ahead of elections.
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