BJP Urges Election Commission to Act Against Mallikarjun Kharge Over ‘Terrorist’ Remark on PM

NEW DELHI, Apr 22: A delegation of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), including senior Union ministers, on Wednesday met the Election Commission of India, pressing for stringent action against Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge over his controversial statement directed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The delegation, led by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and accompanied by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, and BJP general secretary Arun Singh, submitted a formal representation to the poll panel seeking immediate intervention.
Speaking after the meeting, Sitharaman described Kharge’s remark as “highly condemnable,” emphasizing that such language coming from a senior leader holding the position of Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha raises serious concerns about political discourse in the country.
She argued that the comment not only undermines the dignity of the prime minister but also disrespects the democratic mandate granted by the electorate. According to her, the statement reflects poorly on institutional values and the electoral process through which leadership is chosen in India.
The BJP alleged that the remark was made during a press interaction in Chennai, at a time when key states are heading into elections. Sitharaman suggested that such rhetoric stems from political frustration and an attempt to influence public sentiment during a sensitive electoral period.
Echoing similar concerns, Rijiju termed the statement “deeply offensive” and called for the strictest possible response from the Election Commission. He stated that the party has urged the constitutional body to ensure accountability and to direct both Kharge and the Congress to issue a public apology.
The BJP further expressed hope that decisive action by the Commission would serve as a deterrent against the use of inflammatory language in political campaigns. Leaders in the delegation maintained that preserving the decorum of public discourse is essential, especially during elections.
The controversy follows Kharge’s remarks in which he accused Prime Minister Modi of creating an atmosphere of fear among opposition parties and the public by allegedly misusing central agencies. During his address, Kharge used the term “terrorist,” which triggered sharp reactions from the BJP.
However, facing immediate backlash, Kharge later clarified his statement, asserting that his comment was not meant in a literal sense. He explained that he was referring to what he described as the “terrorising” effect of government actions on democratic institutions and opposition voices.
“I never intended to label the prime minister in that manner,” Kharge said, adding that his criticism was directed at the functioning of governance and political environment rather than making a personal allegation.
Despite the clarification, the BJP has maintained that the initial remark crossed acceptable boundaries and warrants action under relevant legal and electoral provisions. In its memorandum, the party called for appropriate regulatory measures and possible campaign-related restrictions against the Congress leader.
The Election Commission, according to BJP leaders, gave a patient hearing to the delegation and assured that the matter would be examined carefully before taking necessary steps.
The episode has intensified political tensions ahead of crucial state elections, with both parties exchanging sharp accusations over the tone and limits of political criticism.