Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday said his party would respond to the notice issued by the Election Commission of India over his remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“Notice aane do… we will reply to it in the evening. Our people will reply to it,” Kharge told reporters, reacting to the poll body’s 24-hour ultimatum seeking an explanation.
The controversy stems from remarks made by Kharge during campaigning in Tamil Nadu, where he criticised the BJP and its allies, and referred to the Prime Minister in a manner that drew sharp political reactions. Facing criticism, Kharge later clarified that he did not intend to label Modi a “terrorist”, but meant that the Prime Minister was “terrorising” political opponents.
“He is terrorising people and political parties. I never said he is a terrorist,” Kharge said, adding that institutions such as the Enforcement Directorate, Income Tax Department and the CBI were being used to pressure rivals.
Also read: BJP moves EC against Kharge over ‘terrorist’ remark on PM
The remarks triggered a political backlash, with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis condemning Kharge’s statement and demanding an apology. “This is the frustration following repeated losses… Mallikarjun Kharge should apologise,” Fadnavis said.
Backing Kharge, Maharashtra Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal criticised Fadnavis, accusing him of disrespecting a senior political leader and departing from civil political discourse.
The exchange comes amid a high-decibel election campaign, with leaders trading sharp attacks ahead of crucial Assembly polls. The Election Commission’s notice adds a regulatory dimension to the political row, with Kharge now expected to formally explain his remarks within the stipulated timeframe.
As campaigning intensifies, the episode underscores the increasingly combative tone of political discourse, with both sides sharpening their rhetoric in a tightly contested electoral season.
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