The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Wednesday took serious notice of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge’s statement calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi a ‘terrorist’. The Election Commission has issued a show-cause notice to Kharge and sought his reply within 24 hours.
The Commission said in its letter that the use of such derogatory and insulting words by an experienced politician against a person holding a constitutional post is not in keeping with the level of public discussion. This hurts the dignity of democratic institutions. Kharge will have to clarify his stand within 24 hours, otherwise the Commission will take further appropriate action.
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What happened?
Speaking to reporters in Chennai on Tuesday, Kharge had raised questions on AIADMK party joining with BJP. He had said, ‘Modi is a terrorist. His party does not believe in equality and justice. He accused the AIADMK of becoming a ‘slave’ of the BJP and would not be able to protect the interests of Tamil Nadu.
This statement gave rise to a big political controversy. BJP called it an insult to the Prime Minister and the entire 1.4 billion Indians. Today a team of three BJP Union Ministers (including Nirmala Sitharaman) reached the Election Commission and demanded strict action against Kharge.
What did Kharge say?
Later, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge clarified his statement and said that he did not call the Prime Minister a terrorist. He meant that Modi always ‘intimidates’ people and political parties.
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What’s in the notice?
The notice reads, ‘Whereas, the Commission is of the prima facie opinion that Mallikarjun Kharge, who is also the star campaigner of the Indian National Congress in the general elections to the Tamil Nadu Assembly, has violated the provisions of the MCC and the instructions issued by the Commission as mentioned in para 9 and 11 respectively… The Commission gives you an opportunity to explain your stand in the above matter within 24 hours of the issue of this notice. Please note that if no response is received from you within the prescribed time limit, it will be assumed that you have nothing to say in the matter and the Election Commission will, without any further reference to you, take appropriate action or decision in the matter.’
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