The Election Commission has issued a notice to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge over his controversial remark referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “terrorist” during an election campaign.

Taking serious note of the statement, the poll body has asked Kharge to submit his response within 24 hours, highlighting concerns over the language used in public campaigning.

BJP complaint triggered action

The development comes after the Bharatiya Janata Party approached the Election Commission, alleging that the remark violated the Model Code of Conduct. The party described the comment as derogatory and sought strict action against the Congress leader.

A delegation of BJP leaders also met the poll panel, stressing that such statements undermine the standards of political discourse during elections.

Kharge’s clarification

Following the controversy, Kharge clarified that his remarks were being misinterpreted. He said he did not intend to call the Prime Minister a terrorist but was referring to what he described as “terrorising” political opponents through the use of central agencies.

Rising political tensions

The episode has further escalated tensions between the ruling party and the opposition amid an ongoing election season. Leaders across the political spectrum have reacted strongly, with criticism and counter-criticism intensifying the debate around campaign rhetoric.

The Election Commission’s intervention underscores its attempt to maintain decorum and enforce campaign norms as political activity intensifies across states.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s scheduled visit to West Bengal for election campaigning has been cancelled after the party failed to secure the required administrative permission for public events.

The visit, planned for April 23, was called off after the party waited until the evening for clearance but did not receive approval in time to make necessary arrangements.

Congress leaders have alleged that the local administration, under the influence of the ruling Trinamool Congress, did not grant permission for the rally. The party claimed that despite waiting until around 6 pm, the approval did not come through, forcing them to cancel the programme.

Trinamool response

The Trinamool Congress rejected the allegations, stating that all political parties must follow established procedures for holding public meetings. A party minister said applications must be submitted through the designated system within a specified time frame before events.

The Trinamool also indicated that the state government is currently in a caretaker role during the election period, suggesting that questions regarding permissions fall under the purview of the Election Commission.

Fresh dates likely

Congress sources said the party is still keen for Rahul Gandhi to campaign in the state and may seek fresh permission for a visit on April 25 or 26.

Political context

The development comes amid heightened political activity ahead of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, where multiple parties are campaigning aggressively. The Congress and Trinamool Congress, despite being part of broader opposition alignments at the national level, remain direct rivals in the state.

Recent reports also indicate that permission-related issues have affected campaign events in the state, with some rallies being cancelled due to lack of police clearance.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge faces criticism after controversial remark on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, says statement was misinterpreted

A political controversy erupted after Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “terrorist” during a public address, triggering sharp reactions from the ruling party.

Following the backlash, Kharge issued a clarification, stating that his remarks were misinterpreted and that he did not intend to label the Prime Minister as a terrorist. He instead accused Modi of using threatening language in political discourse.

The comment quickly drew strong criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with leaders calling the remark inappropriate and accusing the Congress of lowering political discourse. The exchange reflects heightened tensions between the ruling party and the opposition amid the ongoing election season.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also condemned the remark, describing it as “atrocious” and indicative of a new low in political rhetoric.

The incident has further intensified the war of words between the two parties, with both sides trading accusations as campaigning gains momentum.