EC Slaps Show-Cause Notice on Mallikarjun Kharge Over "Terrorist" Remark Against PM Modi

The Incident

During a press conference in Chennai on April 21, 2026, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge launched a blistering attack on the BJP-AIADMK alliance. While questioning the AIADMK's decision to partner with the BJP, Kharge referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a "terrorist," stating that he does not believe in equality or justice.

The Election Commission's Action

Following a formal complaint by a high-level BJP delegation—including Union Ministers Nirmala Sitharaman and Kiren Rijiju—the Election Commission of India (ECI) issued a show-cause notice to Kharge on Wednesday, April 22.

• Deadline: Kharge has been given 24 hours to explain his stand.

• EC’s Observation: The commission stated that the remark was "intemperate, highly objectionable, and dehumanizing," and prima facie violated the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).

• Faux Pas: The EC briefly faced criticism after initially listing TMC’s Derek O’Brien as a complainant in a "typographical error" before correcting the notice
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Kharge’s Clarification

As the controversy escalated, Mallikarjun Kharge issued a clarification, stating he did not mean "terrorist" in the literal sense. He argued that he was referring to "tax terrorism" and the use of central agencies (ED, CBI, IT) to "terrorize" and silence opposition leaders and political parties.

Political Reaction

• BJP: Called the remark an "insult to the nation" and "extreme personal vilification."

• Congress: Defended Kharge, accusing the EC of being biased and acting as an "attached office of the Home Ministry."