Election Commission notice to Mallikarjun Kharge prompts Congress allegation of institutional bias

The Congress criticised the Election Commission after it issued Mallikarjun Kharge a stern notice over a remark about Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking an explanation within 24 hours. Jairam Ramesh alleged the Commission acts under the Union home ministry and said its conduct undermines constitutional norms and the body’s independence.

The Congress alleged on Wednesday that the Election Commission’s strong notice to party chief Mallikarjun Kharge showed bias. The party said the poll body acted like an attached office of the Union home ministry. The charge followed a notice over Kharge’s "terrorist\" remark about Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Congress general secretary for communications Jairam Ramesh criticised the poll body after it sought Kharge’s reply within 24 hours. The Election Commission said it took serious note of the remark. The action came as political tensions rose ahead of voting in Tamil Nadu and the first phase in West Bengal.

Election Commission notice to Mallikarjun Kharge

Sources said the Election Commission first issued a notice and then withdrew it. The withdrawal happened because the notice reportedly named TMC leader Derek O’Brien as a complainant. Sources added that a fresh notice was then issued with Kiren Rijiju as the only complainant against Kharge. The Election Commission called O’Brien’s inclusion an inadvertent error.

Ramesh said the change in notice showed wrongdoing by the poll body. Ramesh also demanded the chief election commissioner’s resignation. Ramesh wrote on X: \"Now @ECISVEEP has been caught LYING and brazenly CHEATING. Shameful is an understatement. The CEC should resign. He has lost all moral authority and is an absolute, unmitigated disgrace. History will record him as a coward who consistently chose to sacrifice Indian democracy at the altar of his masters political expediency,\"

Congress attacks Election Commission over Narendra Modi remark

Ramesh also accused the Election Commission of working under political direction. Ramesh wrote on X: \"That the Election Commission dances to the tune of the PM and HM has been obvious for some time. After masterminding vote chori in very many lakhs - especially in West Bengal - today it has given fresh evidence of its functioning as an attached office of the home ministry,\"

Ramesh said the Election Commission was a Constitutional body, but claimed its conduct damaged the Constitution. Ramesh added that the chief election commissioner held the most responsibility for the situation. Ramesh described the poll body’s conduct as a disgrace and an assault on the Constitution.

Mallikarjun Kharge clarification on Narendra Modi \"terrorist\" comment

The notice followed comments Kharge made on Tuesday in Chennai during a press conference. Kharge accused Prime Minister Modi of using government machinery and central agencies to pressure rivals. Kharge’s words drew sharp reactions from the BJP. The BJP criticised the opposition leader for calling Modi a terrorist.

While criticising the AIADMK’s alliance with the BJP, Kharge questioned the party’s choice. Kharge said: \"How these AIADMK people, who themselves put the photo of Annadurai... How can they join Modi? He is a terrorist...\" Kharge added: \"He doesnt believe in equality. His party wont believe in equality and justice...\"

After reporters asked for clarity, Kharge said the term was not meant literally. Kharge said: \"He is terrorising people and political parties. I never said he is a terrorist in the literal sense. He is misusing his power and government machinery to abuse and malign the opposition parties,\" Kharge linked the remark to what Kharge called pressure on India’s democratic fabric.

The Election Commission’s notice arrived a day before polling in Tamil Nadu and the first phase in West Bengal. Congress leaders said the timing and the wording of the notice raised concerns. The party kept up its criticism, while the poll body maintained it had acted on a complaint and corrected an error.

With inputs from PTI