Source The Hindu
NEW DELHI – A high-level delegation from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) met with the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Wednesday to lodge a formal complaint against Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge. The move follows controversial remarks made by the veteran leader in which he allegedly likened Prime Minister Narendra Modi to a “terrorist.”
The BJP panel, which included several senior cabinet ministers and party legal experts, has urged the poll body to take “strict punitive action” against the Congress chief, claiming the statement violates the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) and lowers the discourse of the ongoing electoral season.
Key Points of the Complaint
According to BJP sources, the memorandum submitted to the ECI highlights several grievances regarding the rhetoric used during a recent campaign rally:
Incitement and Defamation: The party argues that labeling a sitting Prime Minister with such a term is not only defamatory but also poses a threat to public order by inciting radical sentiments.
Violation of MCC: The BJP contends that the remarks breach the guidelines that prohibit parties from making personal attacks or using unverified allegations to vilify opponents.
Demand for Apology: Beyond ECI intervention, the BJP has demanded a public apology from the Congress leadership, calling the statement an “insult to the mandate of 1.4 billion Indians.”
The Spark: What Was Said?
The controversy erupted after Mallikarjun Kharge, while addressing a public gathering, launched a scathing attack on the Prime Minister’s policies and campaign style. During the speech, Kharge reportedly suggested that the PM’s political tactics were akin to “terrorizing” the opposition and the democratic fabric of the country.
“This isn’t just about a word; it’s about a mindset,” said a BJP spokesperson following the meeting. “By using such language, the Congress is showing its frustration and its lack of regard for the dignity of the highest office in the land.”
Congress Stands Firm
In response to the BJP’s move, the Congress party has defended its president, claiming the remarks were “metaphorical” and intended to highlight the “repressive nature” of the current administration. Congress leaders have accused the BJP of “selective hearing” and attempting to use the Election Commission to divert attention from core issues like unemployment and inflation.
What Happens Next?
The Election Commission has acknowledged receipt of the complaint. Under standard procedure, the ECI is expected to:
Review the video footage and transcripts of the speech in question.
Issue a show-cause notice to Mallikarjun Kharge, seeking an explanation for the remarks.
Determine if any sanctions, such as a temporary campaigning ban or a formal reprimand, are warranted.
As the political climate heats up, this latest flashpoint underscores the increasingly personal nature of the rivalry between India’s two largest political entities.
