A delegation of the Bharatiya Janata Party on Wednesday approached the Election Commission of India, demanding “strictest action” against Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge for his “terrorist” remark targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The delegation, which included Union ministers Nirmala Sitharaman, Kiren Rijiju and Arjun Ram Meghwal, along with BJP general secretary Arun Singh, met the full Commission and submitted a memorandum seeking punitive and regulatory action.
Addressing reporters after the meeting, Sitharaman said the party had flagged the Congress chief’s comments as “condemnable”, noting that Kharge, who is also Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, had used the term while addressing a press conference in Chennai.
“It’s an insult to the mandate given by the people of India… and to the democratic system where people choose their leader through elections,” she said.
The BJP alleged that the remarks reflected “frustration” within the Congress amid ongoing Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.
‘Outraged and hurt’, says BJP
Rijiju described the comment as a “disgusting act”, adding that the party was “hurt and anguished”.
“With a very heavy heart we met the EC today and demanded strictest possible action… We have also demanded that Kharge and the Congress be directed to apologise to the country,” he said.
Also read: Kharge accuses PM Modi of terrorising political parties
He added that the Commission had given a patient hearing and assured that “appropriate action” would be taken.
The BJP has also sought that the poll panel initiate proceedings under relevant provisions of law and impose campaign-related restrictions on Kharge.
Kharge clarifies remark
The controversy stems from Kharge’s remarks at a press conference in Chennai, where he criticised the BJP and its ally AIADMK.
While he initially referred to the prime minister as a “terrorist”, Kharge later clarified that he meant Modi was “terrorising” political parties and institutions by allegedly misusing government machinery and central agencies.
“He is terrorising people and political parties. I never said he is a terrorist (in the literal sense),” Kharge said, responding to questions from reporters.
The BJP had earlier urged the Election Commission to take immediate cognisance of the remark and direct a public apology from the Congress president.
The development comes amid heightened political rhetoric in election-bound states, with both parties trading sharp accusations as campaigning intensifies.
The Election Commission is yet to issue a formal response on the BJP’s complaint.
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