The Election Commission has issued a notice to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge after his remark describing Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “terrorist” sparked a major political controversy during the election campaign. Kharge has been asked to submit his response within 24 hours.
The poll panel said the statement may amount to a violation of the Model Code of Conduct, which asks political leaders to maintain dignity in public speeches and avoid personal attacks while campaigning. The notice came after complaints were filed over the language used by the Congress leader.
The controversy began during Kharge’s campaign speech in Tamil Nadu, where he criticised the AIADMK for joining hands with the BJP. While attacking the alliance, he used the term “terrorist” in reference to PM Modi, leading to immediate backlash from BJP leaders.
Soon after the comment drew criticism, Kharge clarified his statement. He said he did not mean to call the Prime Minister a terrorist personally, but wanted to say that opposition parties and institutions were being “terrorised” through pressure politics and misuse of agencies.
The BJP strongly objected to the remark and demanded strict action from the Election Commission. Party leaders said such language lowers the level of political debate and is inappropriate in a democratic election. Several BJP spokespersons accused the Congress of crossing limits in its criticism of the Prime Minister.
The Congress, meanwhile, is expected to defend Kharge’s explanation and argue that his words were taken out of context. Party leaders said the comment was political criticism and not a literal accusation.
The issue has added fresh heat to an already intense election season, where parties have been exchanging sharp attacks in poll-bound states. In recent weeks, campaign speeches from leaders across parties have become more aggressive, forcing the Election Commission to repeatedly remind candidates to maintain decorum.
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