BJP Moves EC Over Kharge’s Terrorist Remark on PM Narendra Modi, Demands Public Apology

New Delhi: The Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday approached the Election Commission and demanded strict action against Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge's statement in which he called Prime Minister Narendra Modi a 'terrorist'. These words, which came out of Kharge's mouth during a press conference in Chennai on the last day of campaigning for Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, shook the politics of the entire country. Calling it an attack on democracy, BJP appealed to the Commission for immediate intervention.

What exactly did Kharge say?

Attacking the alliance of AIADMK and BJP, Kharge said, how can those who claim Annadurai's legacy stand with Modi. He directly called Modi a 'terrorist' and alleged that his party does not believe in equality and justice. Along with this, he also targeted the Election Commission and accused it of targeting the opposition through ED, CBI and Income Tax Department.

Why did Kharge have to give clarification later?

As soon as there was an uproar over the statement, Kharge hit back saying that his words were distorted. He said that he did not call Modi a terrorist but said that the Modi government is terrorizing opposition leaders and common workers through central agencies. But BJP rejected this clarification and said that this is not a slip of the tongue but a well-thought-out conspiracy.

What demands did BJP make from the Election Commission?

In the letter signed by Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, BJP national general secretary Arun Singh and leader Om Pathak, the party demanded the Commission direct Kharge to tender a public apology. Also, this statement should be immediately removed from social media and all news platforms and necessary restrictions should be imposed on election campaigning.

Can legal action be taken against this statement?

BJP also recorded in its complaint that Kharge's statement falls under the category of criminal offense under several sections of the Indian Justice Code. The party cited Section 175 i.e. making false statement about the character of a candidate and Section 356(1) i.e. defamation and demanded legal action from the Commission.

Which big leaders of BJP took the lead?

Tamil Nadu BJP President K. Annamalai described Kharge's language as against the dignity of democracy and demanded a public apology. BJP spokespersons Shehzad Poonawala and Sambit Patra also adopted a sharp tone and termed it as a statement given at the behest of Rahul Gandhi.

Now all eyes are on the Election Commission to see what verdict it gives on this entire controversy.