Non-application of mind: Congress on EC notice over Kharge's 'terrorist' remark

Mallikarjun Kharge, during a campaign event in Tamil Nadu, called PM Narendra Modi a 'terrorist' while criticising AIADMK's alliance with BJP in Tamil Nadu. The Congress chief, however, clarified his statement, saying that he meant BJP's intimidation tactics through central agencies.

In Short

• Congress alleges only 24 hours given to respond is insufficient due to polls
• Accuses EC of treating notice as mere formality, seeks one-week extension
• Mallikarjun, during a press conference, referred to PM Modi as a 'terrorist'

The Congress on Thursday objected to the Election Commission of India's notice issued to party president Mallikarjun Kharge over his 'terrorist' remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging that the poll body showed "non-application of mind" by granting only 24 hours to respond.

In its detailed reply, the grand old party said the deadline was "not sufficient" given the Congress chief's ongoing election-related engagements and accused the Election Commission of treating the process as a "formality rather than an act in discharge of natural justice".

In a letter to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, Congress general secretary in-charge communications, Jairam Ramesh said, "There seems to be non-application of mind in giving 24 hours to reply despite knowing hectic poll schedule. You would have been aware this is certainly not sufficient time given that the Congress president is in the middle of multiple campaigns".

"It almost seems the CEC is executing the notice as a formality rather than as an act in discharge of natural justice," the letter added, seeking one week's time to file a detailed response.

It also requested permission for a senior delegation of party leaders to present its stand before the commission.

The party further alleged that the explanation offered by Mallikarjun Kharge regarding the context of his remarks was being "deliberately overlooked" to initiate action against him. "Unfortunately, it smacks of ulterior motives. There was no violation of the Model Code of Conduct or any other law," the reply stated.

The Congress also flagged the language used in the Election Commission’s notice, objecting to what it described as 'threatening' tone. "We strongly object to language adopted by your officials (in notice to Kharge) wherein they threaten to take action," Congress said.

WHAT IS THE CONTROVERSY?

The row stemmed from remarks made by Mallikarjun Kharge during a campaign event in Tamil Nadu last week, where he launched an attack on the AIADMK over its alliance with the BJP. Kharge reportedly said: "How can they join with Modi? He is a terrorist. His party won't believe in equality and justice. These people are joining them. It means they are weakening democracy".

The comment triggered immediate backlash from the BJP, with several leaders demanding action against the Congress chief and accusing him of using "intemperate and dehumanising" language against a constitutional authority.

The Election Commission, in its notice to Kharge, said such language appeared "inconsistent with the standards of public discourse" and "undermines the dignity of democratic institutions".

Amid the political storm, Kharge later clarified that his remarks were aimed at the Prime Minister's alleged use of central agencies against opposition parties. "I never said he is a terrorist. He is terrorising the opposition," he said, referring to agencies such as the Income Tax Department and the Enforcement Directorate.

- Ends