The Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued a show-cause notice to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge over controversial remarks allegedly directed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The poll body has asked Kharge to respond within 24 hours, citing a possible violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).The controversy stems from a campaign speech in which Kharge was accused of referring to the Prime Minister as a “terrorist.”
Taking serious note of the language used, the ECI stated that such remarks appear to breach guidelines requiring political leaders to maintain decency and dignity during election campaigning.
According to officials, the Commission acted swiftly due to the sensitive electoral environment and the need to ensure fair and respectful political discourse. The notice underscores the ECI’s strict enforcement of the MCC, especially during high-stakes elections where inflammatory rhetoric can influence public sentiment.
Reacting to the development, Kharge indicated that the Congress party would respond formally to the notice. He maintained that his remarks had been misinterpreted and signaled confidence in addressing the Commission’s concerns.
The incident has intensified political tensions between the Congress and the ruling BJP, with both sides trading accusations over campaign language and conduct. The BJP has strongly criticised Kharge’s remarks, while the Congress has defended its leader, arguing that statements have been taken out of context.
This episode highlights the increasing scrutiny by the Election Commission on campaign rhetoric, as it seeks to uphold ethical standards and prevent the use of derogatory or provocative language in public speeches. The Commission’s intervention reflects its broader role in ensuring free, fair, and orderly elections in India.
