ECI issues show-cause notice to Kharge over ‘terrorist’ remark on PM Modi

The Election Commission of India on Wednesday issued a show-cause notice to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge over his “terrorist” remark directed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, taking serious note of the comment in the midst of the ongoing Assembly election cycle.

‎The poll body has sought an explanation from Kharge within 24 hours, indicating that the statement could constitute a violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), which mandates that political parties and leaders maintain dignity in public discourse and refrain from personal attacks.

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‎The controversy stems from remarks made by Kharge during a press conference in Chennai on April 21, where he criticised the AIADMK-BJP alliance and referred to the Prime Minister as a “terrorist.” The Congress leader later clarified that he did not intend to use the term literally, but meant that the Prime Minister was “terrorising” democratic institutions.
‎The Election Commission’s action follows a formal complaint by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), whose delegation, including Union Ministers Nirmala Sitharaman and Kiren Rijiju, met the Commission and demanded what they described as the “strictest action” against Kharge, along with a public apology.

‎Sources in the Commission said the notice underscores its zero-tolerance approach to violations of the code, especially those involving derogatory language against political opponents. The ECI has repeatedly emphasised the need for maintaining decorum and issue-based campaigning during elections.

‎The development adds to the charged political atmosphere in Tamil Nadu, where alliances and rhetoric have intensified in the final stretch before voting. The Commission’s intervention signals its intent to enforce compliance with electoral norms as the multi-phase Assembly elections progress across key states.