In a escalating clash between India’s election watchdog and the opposition, the Election Commission has slapped a notice on Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge for his explosive ‘terrorist’ comment aimed at PM Narendra Modi. Congress leaders are crying foul, labeling it a blatant attempt by the BJP to muzzle critics through pliant institutions.
The flashpoint occurred at a Chennai media briefing on Tuesday. Answering queries on central probes, Kharge reportedly likened the Prime Minister’s tactics to those of a ‘terrorist.’ Though he later clarified it as a misinterpretation, the ECI wasn’t convinced, issuing a notice Wednesday seeking his explanation by Thursday evening.
Tariq Anwar, Congress MP, dismissed the uproar, insisting Kharge’s words critiqued the aggressive deployment of ED, CBI, and other agencies against rivals. ‘It’s not about name-calling; it’s about the fear they’re spreading among opposition ranks,’ he told media outlets.
Udit Raj, another Congress heavyweight, went further, branding the BJP’s reaction as rooted in casteist ‘Manuvadi’ ideology. As a Dalit leader helming Congress, Kharge irks the establishment, Raj claimed, citing the tragic fate of Bangaru Laxman, BJP’s first Dalit president jailed in a scandal. ‘Their hatred for other parties’ leaders is palpable. ECI and BJP are now indistinguishable,’ he thundered.
From the Samajwadi Party, Awadhesh Prasad advocated civility, warning against abusive language in politics, regardless of policy disagreements. ST Hasan, however, accused the ECI of bias, noting no action against hate speeches in Bengal. ‘If pointing out terror-like behavior is offensive, what’s the standard?’ he retorted.
This confrontation arrives at a sensitive juncture in the national elections, amplifying concerns over the ECI’s impartiality. With Kharge’s reply due soon, the incident could set precedents for handling inflammatory rhetoric, testing the resilience of India’s electoral framework against partisan pressures.
