PATNA: Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor on Thursday alleged that Bihar Police detained several of his supporters just hours before voting in the Bankipur Assembly bypoll, accusing the ruling BJP of using the police machinery because it feared losing the seat. Kishor, who is contesting the by-election, claimed that more than 16 people associated with his campaign had been picked up ahead of polling. He alleged that the action was taken at the behest of the BJP and questioned why his supporters were being detained at such a crucial stage of the election. The allegations surfaced on polling day, immediately adding a political controversy to the closely watched contest. According to the report, police officials had not immediately responded to Kishor’s allegations, meaning his claims about political pressure had not been independently established at the time.

Kishor linked the alleged police action directly to the electoral battle in Bankipur, claiming the BJP was nervous about the outcome and therefore targeting people working with his campaign. The Jan Suraaj leader has been attempting to expand his party’s political presence in Bihar and the Bankipur bypoll has emerged as an important test for the organisation. His decision to personally enter the contest has also increased attention around the seat. With polling underway, the alleged detention of campaign workers quickly became part of the political narrative surrounding the election. Kishor maintained that the action against his supporters was politically motivated and portrayed it as an attempt to weaken his organisation immediately before voters went to polling stations. The BJP, however, was accused by Kishor; the available report did not establish evidence showing that the party had directed Bihar Police to carry out the alleged detentions.

The controversy comes at a sensitive time as the Bankipur electorate votes to choose its representative, with political parties closely watching turnout and developments on the ground. Kishor’s allegation that his supporters were picked up shortly before voting is likely to keep the focus on the conduct of the administration as well as the political contest itself. For Jan Suraaj, the bypoll is significant because it provides another opportunity to measure the party’s support on the ground after Kishor’s transition from political strategist to active politician. Bankipur, located in Patna, has consequently become a closely watched battleground. The immediate question now is whether Bihar Police will provide a detailed explanation regarding the alleged detentions and the reasons behind them. Until such an official response emerges, the claim that the action was carried out under political pressure remains an allegation made by Kishor. With voting taking place amid the controversy, the final result will also show whether Jan Suraaj has been able to convert its campaign and Kishor’s personal political appeal into electoral support in the constituency.

The appeal came after supporters of the senior BJP leader staged demonstrations in Datia over the party's decision to nominate former organisational leader Ashutosh Tiwari as its candidate for the bypoll. The protests turned tense, with National Highway-44 blocked for several hours, clashes reported between protesters and police, and tear gas used to disperse the crowd. Several local BJP office-bearers also resigned, reflecting growing discontent among a section of party workers.

Addressing the controversy, Mishra said the BJP's decision must be respected and urged his supporters not to create further disturbances. He maintained that the party's interests were above personal ambitions and asked workers to remain disciplined during the election campaign. He also made it clear that he would actively participate in campaigning for the BJP's official candidate.

Mishra's remarks marked a noticeable shift from the uncertainty that followed the ticket announcement. Although his exclusion had triggered speculation about internal divisions within the BJP, the veteran leader sought to project unity by reiterating his commitment to the party's decision. According to him, workers should channel their energy into ensuring the BJP's victory rather than expressing dissatisfaction over candidate selection.

The Datia by-election has attracted considerable political attention because of Mishra's long association with the constituency. A six-time MLA and one of the BJP's most prominent leaders in Madhya Pradesh, he represented Datia for three consecutive terms before losing the 2023 Assembly election to Congress leader Rajendra Bharti. The bypoll became necessary after Bharti's disqualification following his conviction in a bank fraud case.

The BJP's decision to field Ashutosh Tiwari instead of Mishra surprised many local workers. Soon after the announcement, angry supporters gathered across Datia, blocked roads, raised slogans against the party leadership and demanded that the ticket be reconsidered. The unrest forced police to intervene to restore normalcy.

Political observers view Mishra's latest statement as an effort to contain the fallout and prevent the internal dispute from affecting the BJP's prospects in the by-election. With the nomination process underway and campaigning expected to intensify, the party appears keen to present a united front despite the initial backlash over ticket distribution.

The Congress has seized on the episode, accusing the BJP of facing growing internal dissatisfaction in Madhya Pradesh. However, BJP leaders insist that organisational discipline will prevail and that all party workers will rally behind the official nominee during the campaign.

The Election Commission has scheduled the Datia Assembly bypoll as part of the current round of by-elections in the state. Nominations are being accepted until July 13, after which scrutiny and the remaining stages of the electoral process will follow according to the notified schedule.

The unrest began after the Bharatiya Janata Party announced Ashutosh Tiwari as its candidate for the Datia bypoll, replacing Mishra, who had represented the constituency for three consecutive terms before losing the 2023 Assembly election. The decision triggered strong reactions from party workers and supporters, with demonstrations breaking out across Datia.

Addressing supporters amid the controversy, Mishra said the BJP's decision should be accepted and urged workers not to create unnecessary tension. He stressed that candidate selection is the party's prerogative and appealed to everyone to remain disciplined.

"It is the party's decision. There should not be such a commotion over it," Mishra said while requesting supporters to maintain calm and avoid actions that could harm the organisation.

Despite the emotional response from supporters, Mishra indicated that he would continue to work for the BJP and later signalled that he would actively participate in campaigning for the party's official candidate in the Datia by-election.

The protests, however, turned volatile on Friday. Supporters blocked the Gwalior-Jhansi National Highway, leading to massive traffic disruption. Police were forced to intervene after stone-pelting was reported during the demonstrations. Authorities used tear gas to disperse the crowd and restore normalcy. Senior police officials were also caught in the unrest while trying to control the situation.

The political fallout extended beyond street protests. Reports indicated that several local BJP functionaries expressed dissatisfaction over the ticket distribution, with resignations from sections of the district organisation adding to the pressure on the party leadership.

The Datia Assembly seat became vacant after Congress MLA Rajendra Bharti lost his membership following his conviction in a bank fraud case, paving the way for the by-election. Bharti had defeated Narottam Mishra in the 2023 Assembly election, ending the BJP veteran's long winning streak from the constituency.

Datia is considered one of the most politically significant constituencies in Madhya Pradesh. Mishra has remained one of the BJP's most prominent leaders in the state, having served as Home Minister and held several key portfolios in previous governments. His exclusion from the bypoll has therefore attracted attention well beyond the constituency, with political observers viewing the development as an important organisational decision ahead of future electoral battles.

The Election Commission has scheduled polling for the Datia Assembly by-election later this month, with nomination filing currently underway. As campaigning gathers pace, the BJP leadership will be looking to contain internal dissatisfaction while presenting a united front in what has emerged as one of the state's closely watched electoral contests.

A major political flashpoint has emerged in Madhya Pradesh's Datia ahead of the 30 July Assembly by-election, with protests breaking out after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) replaced former Home Minister Dr. Narottam Mishra with Ashutosh Tiwari as its candidate.

The agitation, which began on Friday evening, escalated into violence in the early hours of Saturday, leading to a 15–20 kilometre traffic blockade on the Gwalior–Jhansi National Highway. Police resorted to firing tear gas shells after clashes with protesters, while several vehicles were damaged during stone-pelting.

Eight Police Personnel Injured

According to district officials, eight police personnel, including the Superintendent of Police (SP) and the SDOP of Bhander, sustained injuries during the violence. Some supporters of Dr. Narottam Mishra were also reportedly injured.

Officials said protesters overturned police vehicles, damaged several trucks, smashed the windshield of the SDOP's vehicle, and allegedly attempted to set a police vehicle on fire.

Hundreds of BJP Workers Join Protest

More than 500 BJP workers, including a large number of women, participated in demonstrations against the party's decision. Protesters staged road blockades at multiple locations, including Haripur Tiraha in Dabra, while slogans were raised against BJP candidate Ashutosh Tiwari.

Supporters from neighbouring districts also reached Datia to participate in the protest, further intensifying the situation.

Leaders Submit Resignations

The political fallout extended beyond street protests. BJP Datia district president Raghuveer Saran and several party office-bearers resigned from their posts in protest against the denial of a ticket to Narottam Mishra.

According to supporters, the BJP's city minister, party treasurer, and several municipal councillors have also tendered their resignations.

Narottam Had Already Begun Campaign

Dr. Narottam Mishra had already launched his election campaign after the bypoll was announced. He had purchased nomination papers, addressed public meetings, and sought public support before the party announced Ashutosh Tiwari as its official candidate.

The BJP declared Tiwari's candidature after legal developments relating to the by-election.

Administration Tightens Security

As the situation deteriorated, authorities deployed additional police personnel across the district and sought reinforcement from the Police Headquarters (PHQ). Security was intensified around the BJP office, where nearly 250 party workers were prevented from leaving as a precautionary measure.

Traffic on the Gwalior–Jhansi route was diverted, while police from Datia and Gwalior jointly managed the movement of vehicles.

District Collector Swapnil Wankhede said the administration had exercised restraint despite the violence but warned that strict action would be taken if law and order was disturbed again.

Markets Shut, Political Activity Intensifies

Several markets in Datia remained closed on Saturday morning as trader associations extended support to the protest. Meanwhile, Azad Samaj Party (Kanshi Ram) chief and Nagina MP Chandrashekhar Azad is scheduled to address a public meeting in support of the party's candidate later in the day.

With campaigning intensifying and political tensions rising, the Datia Assembly by-election has quickly become one of the most closely watched electoral contests in Madhya Pradesh.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced Ashutosh Tiwari as its candidate for the Datia Assembly by-election, ending speculation over the party's nominee. The decision comes after the Delhi High Court refused to stay the conviction of former Congress MLA Rajendra Bharti, prompting the BJP to release its candidate list on Friday.

Ashutosh Tiwari had earlier sought a BJP ticket from the Sevda Assembly constituency in the 2023 Madhya Pradesh Assembly elections but was overlooked in favour of Pradeep Agrawal. Tiwari has served as the BJP's Divisional Organisation Minister and was also the Chairman of the Madhya Pradesh Housing Board, holding the rank of a Cabinet Minister.

Narottam Mishra's Preparations Fall Short

The announcement came as a surprise since former Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Dr. Narottam Mishra had already begun campaigning after the by-election was announced. He had addressed multiple public meetings and had even purchased his nomination form earlier this week, leading to widespread speculation that he would be the BJP's candidate.

Despite these preparations, the party leadership chose Ashutosh Tiwari instead. So far, 13 candidates have purchased nomination forms, while four have already filed their nominations.

Mishra Had Purchased Nomination Form

Dr. Narottam Mishra, a senior BJP leader and former state Home Minister, purchased his nomination papers on Wednesday and was expected to file his nomination on Friday. However, before the filing process could begin, the BJP's central leadership officially announced Ashutosh Tiwari as its candidate.

Rajendra Bharti's Legal Challenge Rejected

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court dismissed the petition of former Congress MLA Rajendra Bharti on Friday. Earlier, Bharti had stated that if the Congress chose not to field a member of his family, he would fully support whichever candidate the party nominated for the by-election.

Narottam Mishra Had Sought Public Forgiveness

Following the announcement of the by-election, Dr. Narottam Mishra had actively campaigned across the constituency and even publicly acknowledged past mistakes.

At his first public meeting near Chhote Fubbare on Thandi Road, Mishra appealed to voters for forgiveness, saying he had reflected on his past conduct and had changed his approach. He assured residents that they would always be welcomed and respected whenever they visited him.

During another rally at Rawatpura College, Mishra rejected the Congress' allegation of a ₹70-crore political deal, remarking that the BJP does not accept "discarded material." He also challenged Congress leaders to identify the alleged aide of a Union Minister they had referred to in their accusations.

Election Campaign Gains Momentum

With the BJP officially naming Ashutosh Tiwari as its candidate, the campaign for the Datia Assembly by-election has intensified. The BJP, Congress, and Azad Samaj Party have all stepped up their outreach efforts as the constituency heads toward polling.

The bypoll has already emerged as one of the most closely watched political contests in Madhya Pradesh. While political parties are busy finalising their campaign plans and candidate strategies, uncertainty continues to surround Bharti's eligibility to contest the election.

The Datia seat fell vacant after Bharti's disqualification following his conviction in a case linked to alleged irregularities in a cooperative bank matter. After the conviction led to the loss of his Assembly membership, the Election Commission announced the by-election schedule, setting the stage for a politically significant contest in the Gwalior-Chambal region.

According to the election schedule, the process is already underway and the last date for filing nominations is drawing near. That has increased the urgency around Bharti's legal battle.

Sources familiar with the matter said Bharti has approached the Delhi High Court seeking relief against the conviction that resulted in his disqualification. The outcome of that petition is expected to play a crucial role in determining whether he can enter the electoral fray once again.

For the Congress, the situation presents both a challenge and a strategic dilemma.

Party leaders in the region have continued political preparations while awaiting clarity from the court. If Bharti receives relief before the nomination process concludes, the Congress could back him as its candidate. However, if the legal proceedings do not move in his favour within the available timeframe, the party may have to quickly identify an alternative face for the contest.

The uncertainty has also created intense political activity in Datia, where local workers from both major parties have begun mobilising supporters.

The Bharatiya Janata Party is treating the bypoll as an important electoral battle. Political observers believe the contest carries significance beyond a single Assembly constituency because it could offer an indication of voter sentiment ahead of future political contests in the state.

Datia has traditionally attracted attention due to its political importance in the Gwalior-Chambal belt. Any change in the electoral dynamics of the constituency is closely watched by both the BJP and the Congress.

Bharti has previously questioned the timing of the by-election and raised concerns over the circumstances under which the seat was declared vacant. Those arguments have become part of the broader political discussion surrounding the bypoll, though the legal proceedings remain separate from the electoral process.

Meanwhile, election officials are continuing preparations according to the announced schedule. Authorities have not indicated any change in the programme and all procedural activities are moving forward as planned.

Political analysts say every passing day is becoming increasingly important for Bharti because electoral timelines leave little room for delay. Even a favourable court order would need to come before key deadlines to have a practical impact on candidate selection and campaign planning.

For now, the focus remains firmly on the Delhi High Court, where the next developments could reshape the contest before nominations close. Until that clarity emerges, speculation is likely to continue in Datia's political circles, with both supporters and rivals closely monitoring the legal proceedings.

The by-election campaign has not fully gathered momentum yet, but the uncertainty surrounding Rajendra Bharti has already become one of the defining stories of the contest.

Tensions have escalated across Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) following days of protests against reserved legislative seats allocated to refugees from Jammu and Kashmir living in other parts of Pakistan. According to reports and protest organizers, at least 46 people have died and more than 1,100 individuals have been detained during the ongoing agitation, which has entered its fourth consecutive day.

The movement, led by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), has emerged as one of the most significant political confrontations in the region in recent years. Protesters are demanding the abolition of 12 reserved seats in the Legislative Assembly, arguing that representation should be determined by residents currently living in the territory. The unrest has disrupted normal life in several major towns, including Muzaffarabad, Mirpur, and Poonch, where markets, educational institutions, and government offices remain closed.

Authorities have imposed security restrictions and internet services have reportedly been suspended in parts of the region as the administration attempts to contain the situation. The developments come just weeks before assembly elections scheduled for July 27.

Dispute Over Reserved Seats

The controversy centers on 12 assembly seats reserved for refugees who migrated from Jammu and Kashmir and later settled in various regions of Pakistan. Protest groups argue that these seats distort local political representation and should be abolished.

The issue gained momentum after the PoK Supreme Court on June 7 rejected petitions seeking to end the reservation arrangement. The court reportedly held that the constitutional provision could not be withdrawn through the demands presented before it, triggering fresh demonstrations across the region.

Following the verdict, JAAC intensified its campaign, calling for mass protests and sit-ins.

Security Crackdown and Arrests

Administrative sources and protest organizers claim that security forces have launched a large-scale crackdown on demonstrators. Reports indicate that sedition cases have been filed against several JAAC leaders, including prominent figures associated with the movement.

The government had earlier imposed restrictions on JAAC under anti-terrorism provisions, a move that critics say further intensified public anger. Additional paramilitary personnel, including Rangers and Frontier Constabulary units, have reportedly been deployed in sensitive districts to maintain law and order.

Despite these measures, protest gatherings have continued, with demonstrations being reported in both urban and rural areas.

Internet Shutdown Raises Concerns

Communication restrictions have emerged as another major issue during the crisis. Internet services have reportedly been suspended in several locations, limiting access to information and affecting daily life.

However, speeches and messages from protest leaders have continued to circulate through alternative channels. Reports suggest that some broadcasts reached audiences despite connectivity restrictions, drawing attention to the challenges authorities face in controlling information flow during the unrest.

Humanitarian Concerns Grow

As protests continue, residents have reported shortages of essential goods, including medicines and food supplies. The closure of markets and transportation disruptions have affected normal economic activity across several districts.

Local observers say prolonged restrictions could further impact healthcare services, education, and small businesses if the situation remains unresolved. Authorities have not issued detailed statements regarding the supply situation, but concerns among residents continue to grow.

International Attention and Political Reactions

The unrest has attracted attention beyond the region. Demonstrations highlighting the situation have reportedly been organized by activists in cities including London and New York.

Political leaders and civil society groups have also voiced concern over reports of casualties and detentions. Calls for an independent investigation into the incidents have emerged from multiple quarters, with demands for greater transparency regarding the events unfolding in the territory.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has entered the final phase of its Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise, a nationwide voter verification campaign aimed at improving the accuracy and reliability of electoral rolls. As part of the initiative, around 30 crore voter identity cards are set to receive updated and clearer photographs, while outdated or incomplete address details are being corrected across the country.

Officials said the exercise has already led to significant changes in the voter database. More than 59 crore voter records have been updated so far, with recent color photographs replacing old, blurred, or missing images. The Commission is now preparing to reach the remaining 39.73 crore voters through door-to-door verification conducted by Booth Level Officers (BLOs).

The large-scale revision is designed to improve voter identification, eliminate duplicate registrations, and ensure that electoral rolls accurately reflect current residential information before upcoming elections.

Major Changes in Voter ID Cards

One of the most visible outcomes of the SIR exercise is the improvement in voter photographs. According to officials, nearly 30 percent of existing Elector Photo Identity Cards (EPICs) either lacked photographs entirely or contained images that were too old or unclear for reliable identification.

Many of the photographs currently in circulation were captured two to three decades ago. Through the verification drive, BLOs have used mobile-based technology to collect and update recent color photographs of voters without charging any fee.

Another significant change involves residential addresses. Previously, many voter records contained generic house numbers marked as "00." Under the revised system, actual residential addresses are being recorded to improve the accuracy of electoral data.

Focus on Duplicate Voter Removal

The Election Commission has intensified efforts to identify and remove duplicate voter registrations. Under the SIR process, voters were given an opportunity to retain their registration at their current place of residence while removing outdated entries from other constituencies.

Officials stated that maintaining voter registration at multiple locations after the completion of the exercise could be treated as a legal violation. The objective is to ensure that every eligible voter is registered only once in the electoral database.

So far, approximately 2.6 lakh duplicate voter identification numbers have been removed during the verification process.

Technology-Driven Verification

To strengthen the accuracy of voter rolls, the Commission has deployed advanced analytical tools capable of identifying suspicious or duplicate records.

Systems such as Photo Similar Elector and Demographically Similar Elector are being used to detect matching voter profiles across constituencies. These technologies help election officials identify duplicate registrations, outdated entries, and inconsistencies in voter records more efficiently than traditional manual verification methods.

Officials believe the use of technology will enhance transparency and improve the overall quality of electoral rolls.

ASDD Category Helps Clean Electoral Rolls

The Election Commission has also expanded the use of the ASDD category, which stands for Absent, Shifted, Duplicate, and Deceased.

Under this classification, officials identify individuals who have moved away, passed away, remain absent from their registered location, or possess duplicate voter registrations. Removing such records helps maintain a more accurate and updated voter list.

Election authorities say the exercise is part of a broader effort to ensure that electoral rolls reflect only eligible and active voters.

Impact on Elections

Election experts believe the revised voter database could improve the accuracy of voter turnout statistics in future elections. Since duplicate, deceased, and shifted voters are being removed from the rolls, turnout percentages are expected to better reflect actual voter participation.

The updated records may also assist political parties and candidates by providing a clearer picture of the electorate residing within a constituency.

Accurate voter lists are considered a critical component of free and fair elections, helping election administrators allocate resources more effectively and reducing the scope for electoral discrepancies.

The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has announced that it will not participate in the INDIA bloc meeting scheduled in New Delhi on June 8, marking a significant escalation in its growing rift with the Congress. The decision comes after senior DMK leader and Tamil Nadu Opposition Leader Udhayanidhi Stalin accused the Congress of betraying the party by supporting actor Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) following the recent Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

The latest development signals a major political shift in Tamil Nadu and raises fresh questions about the future of opposition unity at the national level. Addressing a thanksgiving meeting in Chennai’s Chepauk-Triplicane constituency on Thursday, Udhayanidhi said the DMK would not forget what he described as Congress’ “betrayal” after nearly two decades of political partnership.

According to Udhayanidhi, several Congress legislators who won elections as part of the DMK-led alliance later extended support to TVK, a move that the DMK views as a breach of trust. He also pointed out that none of the victorious Congress MLAs visited the DMK leadership after the election results, further deepening tensions between the two parties.

Alliance Under Strain

The fallout has already resulted in visible political distancing. In May, the DMK sought a separate seating arrangement in the Lok Sabha, formally requesting that its MPs no longer be seated alongside Congress members. DMK leader Kanimozhi wrote to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, stating that the changing political circumstances warranted a revised arrangement.

The latest decision to skip the INDIA bloc meeting is being viewed as another strong signal that relations between the two parties have deteriorated significantly. The June 8 meeting is expected to bring together leaders from several opposition parties, including Congress, Trinamool Congress and Samajwadi Party, to discuss future political strategies.

TVK's Rise Alters Political Equations

The emergence of actor-turned-politician Vijay’s TVK has reshaped Tamil Nadu’s political landscape. Formed in 2024, the party delivered a remarkable performance in the Assembly elections, securing 108 seats and emerging as a major force in the state.

The Congress decision to support TVK after the election results appears to have triggered the current conflict. DMK leaders argue that the move effectively undermined the alliance that had worked together during the election campaign.

Political analysts believe the development could have wider implications for opposition politics, especially at a time when regional parties are reassessing their relationships within the INDIA bloc.

From Partnership to Political Break

The Congress-DMK relationship has experienced several phases over the decades. While the two parties first collaborated during the early 1970s under the leadership of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, the alliance later fractured after the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi in 1991.

The partnership was revived in 2004 when the DMK exited the NDA and joined hands with Congress. The alliance went on to achieve significant electoral success, including a near sweep in the 2004 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections and victory in the 2021 Tamil Nadu Assembly polls.

Following Karunanidhi’s death, DMK president M.K. Stalin further strengthened ties with Congress. However, the post-election developments of 2026 have now brought the alliance to a breaking point.

Fresh allegations of voter intimidation are coming out of West Bengal.

People in several parts of the state say local political workers have been going door to door, warning residents not to vote for the BJP.

As the West Bengal Assembly Elections heat up, reports of intimidation are popping up across multiple districts. Some residents claim groups linked to the Trinamool Congress (TMC) have shown up late at night, threatening voters face to face.

One video making the rounds online shows a local leader threatening “consequences” for anyone who doesn’t vote for the ruling party, warning that things will change once central forces leave. In another incident, cameras caught Indian Secular Front (ISF) agents reportedly finding people in the act of trying to influence voters during the second round of voting.

The BJP has taken their concerns straight to the Election Commission, asking for more central forces to patrol sensitive areas. “TMC goons are going door to door because they’re scared of losing,” a BJP spokesperson said.

The TMC leadership, on the other hand, says all these claims are made up. According to them, the opposition just wants to whip up fake panic and fear.

Tension hangs heavy, especially in rural booths. “They show up after dark,” one villager said, asking not to be named. “They don’t need weapons. Their words alone make us worry about what’ll happen once the election is over.”

A political controversy over a televised address by Narendra Modi has reached the Supreme Court of India, with a Congress MP filing a petition alleging violation of election norms. The plea questions the broadcast of the PM Modi speech on state-run platforms during an ongoing election cycle.

Who Moved Court

The petition has been filed by Congress MP T. N. Prathapan, who represents Kerala in Parliament. According to reports, Prathapan approached the apex court seeking directions against what he termed as misuse of government-controlled media for political messaging.

Allegations Raised

The petition alleges that the speech, delivered on April 18, was aired live on Doordarshan and Sansad TV both funded by the public exchequer. It claims that these platforms fall under government influence and should not be used for partisan communication during an active election period.

Prathapan has argued that such a broadcast violates the Model Code of Conduct, which restricts political campaigning using official resources.

Speech Content Disputed

The controversy centres on remarks made by the Prime Minister during the address, where several opposition parties were named and criticised. The petition states that parties such as the Congress, Trinamool Congress, DMK and Samajwadi Party were directly targeted.

According to the filing, the PM urged voters to hold these parties accountable over their stance on the Women’s Reservation Bill, making the speech political in nature.

Timing of Address

The speech was delivered shortly after developments linked to the passage of the Women’s Reservation Bill, formally known as the 131st Constitutional Amendment Bill.

The petitioner has contended that the timing of the address during an active election phase raises concerns about fairness and neutrality in public communication.

Demand for Action

In his plea, Prathapan has sought a directive from the court to the Election Commission of India to examine the matter and initiate action. He has urged the court to ensure that government platforms are not used to influence voters during elections.

Officials have not yet issued a detailed response on the petition. The matter is expected to come up for preliminary hearing in the coming days.

Political Context

The issue comes amid heightened political activity across states, where adherence to the Model Code of Conduct is under scrutiny. The use of state resources for political messaging has been a recurring concern raised by opposition parties in past elections as well. Observers note that such cases often test the balance between official communication and political campaigning.

What Lies Ahead

The Supreme Court’s response to the plea will be closely watched, as it could set a precedent on how government-controlled media can be used during elections.

If the court admits the petition, it may seek responses from the Centre and the Election Commission, potentially shaping guidelines for future broadcasts.

A political controversy erupted on Tuesday after Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge allegedly referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “terrorist” during an election rally in Chennai. The remark, made days before voting in Tamil Nadu, triggered sharp reactions from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), escalating tensions in an already heated campaign.

The comment quickly became a flashpoint in the Tamil Nadu Assembly election narrative, drawing widespread criticism and prompting a clarification from Kharge later in the day.

What Kharge Said

Addressing a gathering in Chennai, Kharge questioned the alliance between AIADMK and BJP, reportedly stating that parties aligning with Prime Minister Modi were weakening democratic values. In the course of his speech, he used strong language that the BJP interpreted as branding the Prime Minister a “terrorist”.

The Congress leader also alleged that the ruling government does not believe in equality and justice, remarks that further sharpened the political divide.

BJP Hits Back Hard

The BJP reacted swiftly, condemning the statement as “deeply irresponsible” and “insulting to the electorate”. Union Minister Piyush Goyal accused the Congress and its ally DMK of lowering the level of political discourse.

According to party leaders, such remarks not only target the Prime Minister but also disrespect voters who elected him. BJP representatives demanded an apology from senior Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and DMK chief M.K. Stalin.

Officials indicated that the controversy could influence voter sentiment in the final phase of campaigning.

Election Context Matters

The remarks come at a crucial juncture, with Tamil Nadu set to vote on April 23. The state is witnessing a closely contested battle between the DMK-Congress alliance and the AIADMK-BJP coalition.

Campaigning reached its peak this week, with top leaders from all major parties holding rallies across the state. Political observers note that rhetoric often intensifies in the final days before polling, but personal attacks tend to draw sharper scrutiny.

Kharge Issues Clarification

Facing mounting criticism, Kharge later clarified his statement, denying that he directly called the Prime Minister a terrorist. He said his comments were taken out of context and were meant to criticise the functioning of central agencies.

Kharge alleged that institutions like the CBI, Enforcement Directorate, and Income Tax Department were being misused to intimidate opposition leaders and candidates. He maintained that his remarks referred to this alleged climate of fear, not to any individual.

Sources within the Congress indicated that the party aimed to shift focus back to governance and policy issues after the clarification.

Political Impact Emerging

The controversy has added a new dimension to the Tamil Nadu election campaign. Analysts suggest that such remarks may consolidate support among core voters on both sides, while also influencing undecided voters.

The BJP has sought to frame the issue as an example of opposition parties resorting to personal attacks instead of addressing governance. Meanwhile, the Congress and its allies are attempting to pivot the narrative toward institutional accountability. As per reports, campaign messaging in the final hours is likely to reflect this clash of narratives.

What Lies Ahead

With campaigning set to end shortly, all parties are focusing on last-mile voter outreach. The Election Commission is expected to monitor statements closely to ensure adherence to the Model Code of Conduct.

The outcome of the Tamil Nadu polls will not only shape state politics but also carry implications for national alliances ahead of future elections.