BJP Files EC Complaint Over Kharge’s ‘Terrorist’ Remark on PM

Party demands apology amid poll eve heat; Yogi slams Mamata at Bengal rally ahead of Phase 1 voting

Lead Facts

Bharatiya Janata Party leaders approached the Election Commission on Tuesday against Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge for calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi a "terrorist" at a Chennai rally. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju demanded strict action and a public apology from Kharge. The EC has heard the complaint and assured appropriate steps, sources indicated.

Kharge's Rally Slip

Kharge made the remark on the last day of campaigning for Tamil Nadu assembly polls, which ended Monday. He later clarified that he meant the PM "terrorises" opponents using agencies like ED and CBI. Congress sources said the statement targeted alleged misuse of central machinery.

BJP's Sharp Response

Rijiju told reporters the Congress must apologise to the nation for insulting the PM. He added terrorism would end under Modi's leadership despite such barbs. BJP memorandum to EC cited Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita sections on defamation and voter influence.

Yogi Hits Mamata

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath addressed a rally in Kolkata's Jorasanko area for BJP's second-phase push. He accused Mamata Banerjee of irritation over Lord Ram's name and denying Durga Puja permissions. Yogi contrasted Bengal's "lawlessness" with UP's "Ram Rajya" peace post-2017.

Rally Highlights

A child waved a "Yogi Ji, bring bulldozer" poster at the event, drawing cheers. Yogi predicted BJP would bag 80% seats in West Bengal's first phase and hoist the saffron flag by May 4. He pitched the "double engine" model for development.

Poll Eve Buzz

Polling teams received EVMs from centres like Midnapore College and Chepauk amid tight security. International delegates observed distributions in Tamil Nadu for transparency. Campaigning ended April 20 for Tamil Nadu's 234 seats and Bengal's Phase 1 (152 seats), both voting Thursday. Counting follows May 4.thehindu+2

Tamil Nadu seized over ₹543 crore in cash and materials, lodged 163 FIRs on social media violations, per CEC Archana Patnaik. Bengal saw EVMs reach remote hills; TMC's Abhishek Banerjee promised ongoing women schemes.

Broader Impact

The row sharpens BJP-Congress tussle in poll-bound states, where opposition stays fragmented. Kejriwal backed Mamata, alleging institutional misuse. Himanta Sarma urged "Jai Shri Ram" alongside other greetings at a Kalna rally. Public discourse heats up on free voting and security.

Road Ahead

Phase 1 polls kick off April 23 in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, with Bengal's second phase April 29. EC monitors violations closely; parties eye voter turnout amid seizures and alerts. Outcomes could reshape southern and eastern politics, as per reports.