Mallikarjun Kharge Gets EC Notice Over PM Modi “Terrorist” Remark, Asked To Reply In 24 Hours

The Election Commission of India on Wednesday issued a notice to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge over his controversial "terrorist" remark against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, escalating a political flashpoint that has triggered a sharp war of words between the Congress and the BJP ahead of the elections.

The poll body's action came just hours after a BJP delegation, including Union Ministers Nirmala Sitharaman, Kiren Rijiju and Arjun Ram Meghwal, met the full bench of the Election Commission and lodged a complaint against Kharge over the statement made during a press conference in Tamil Nadu. Calling the remark a possible breach of election norms, the Election Commission has asked the Congress chief to submit his response within 24 hours.

BJP Delegation Moves EC After Kharge's Controversial Statement

The controversy began after Kharge, while addressing reporters on Tuesday in Tamil Nadu, attacked the AIADMK for aligning with the BJP despite what he described as the ideological legacy of Dravidian icons such as CN Annadurai.

Questioning the regional party's alliance with the BJP, Kharge said: "How can these AIADMK people, who themselves put the photo of Annadurai, how can they join Modi? He is a terrorist. His party won't believe in equality and justice. These people are joining with them; it means they are weakening democracy, they are weakening the philosophy of Annadurai, Kamaraj, Periyar, Kaliagnar, Baba Saheb Ambedkar."

The BJP quickly seized on the remark, terming it an unacceptable personal attack on the Prime Minister and moving the Election Commission for action.

Election Commission Flags Possible Violation Of Poll Code

After hearing the BJP's complaint, the Election Commission issued a formal notice to Kharge on Wednesday, stating that the language used could amount to a violation of election norms.

The Commission has sought a detailed explanation from the Congress president within 24 hours, making it clear that the matter is being treated seriously during an active election period.

The move adds another layer of scrutiny to campaign rhetoric as parties intensify their attacks in poll-bound states, with the Commission expected to closely monitor statements that may breach the Model Code of Conduct.

Kharge Says He Meant "Terrorising", Not "Terrorist"

As the controversy snowballed, Kharge attempted to clarify his remarks when reporters asked him whether he had directly labelled the Prime Minister a terrorist.

The Congress chief insisted he was referring to what he called "tax terrorism" and alleged that PM Modi was using central agencies to intimidate opposition leaders and candidates.

"I did not speak against the Prime Minister. The PM is terrorising politicians and candidates, and regarding this, I said that tax terrorism is happening. The Enforcement Directorate is conducting raids, the Income Tax Department is conducting raids, the CBI is conducting raids... This terrorism is being facilitated by PM Modi. I did not call him a terrorist...he is scaring people. He is trying to silence people through raids...This is what I said in Chennai," he said on Tuesday.

Kharge later maintained that his remarks had been taken out of context and denied directly calling the Prime Minister a terrorist.

BJP Hits Back, Calls Congress "Urban Naxal Party"

The ruling BJP reacted strongly to the clarification, accusing the Congress of trying to backtrack after making an inflammatory statement against the Prime Minister.

In its response, the party described the Congress as "an Urban Naxal Party", turning the row into a wider political attack as campaigning heats up.

With the Election Commission now stepping in, the controversy is likely to remain in focus over the next 24 hours, especially as Kharge's reply could determine whether the matter ends with a warning or leads to further action from the poll body.