EC urged to act as BJP calls remark a “dangerous attack” on democracy; Shah, Sarma slam Congress
New Delhi: A political row has escalated after Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge allegedly referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “terrorist,” prompting a formal complaint by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders to the Election Commission of India.
In a sharply framed complaint, BJP leaders asserted, “This is not just derogatory, it is a dangerous and unprecedented attack on democratic institutions… a blatant violation of the Model Code of Conduct. Immediate action is non-negotiable.”
The complaint, filed by senior leaders including Kiren Rijiju, Arun Singh and Om Pathak, argued that the remark could “vitiate the electoral atmosphere” and disrupt fair campaigning. It also invoked provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), citing potential offences such as defamation and undue influence on voters.
The controversy stems from a rally in Velachery on April 21 ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. However, Kharge later clarified his statement, saying, “I did not call him a terrorist… I said ‘tax terrorism’ is happening through agencies like ED, Income Tax and CBI. The Prime Minister is facilitating this to scare people and silence opposition voices.”
Reacting sharply, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said, “Every day, the Congress is hitting new lows… Kharge Ji breached every standard of public conduct… calling the elected Prime Minister a terrorist is highly condemnable.” He added that such remarks insult “millions of people who support Modi Ji.”
Similarly, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma described the comment as “shocking and shameful,” stating, “This reflects the complete collapse of Congress’ standards… Such remarks are an insult to every Indian.”
With the Model Code of Conduct currently in force, the BJP has demanded a public apology and regulatory action, further intensifying the political confrontation ahead of key elections.
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