'Smacks of ulterior motives': Congress to EC on notice to Mallikarjun Kharge over terrorist remark

NEW DELHI: The Congress on Thursday submitted a “summary response” to the Election Commission’s notice issued to party president Mallikarjun Kharge over his “terrorist” remark, alleging that the move “smacks of ulterior motives” and does not constitute a violation of the Model Code of Conduct or any law.

The party has sought one week’s time to file a detailed reply.

In a letter to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, Congress general secretary (communications) Jairam Ramesh flagged discrepancies in the notices issued by the poll body.

"We are in receipt of two notices with the same number ... both dated April 22, 2026, and signed by two different officials," Ramesh said, adding that if one had been withdrawn, there was no mention of it.




He also pointed out that while one notice cited a complaint by Trinamool Congress leader Derek O’Brien, the other version uploaded on the EC’s website omitted the complainant’s name.

"This indicates a casual and routine manner in which show-cause notices are being issued, merely on the basis of the ruling party’s complaints and without due application of mind," Ramesh alleged, also criticising the 24-hour deadline given to Kharge to respond.

Calling the time frame insufficient, he said Kharge is currently engaged in multiple campaign events.

"It appears the notice is being issued as a formality rather than in the spirit of natural justice," Ramesh said.

The Congress has requested a week’s time to submit a detailed response and sought an opportunity for a senior delegation to present its case before the Commission.

In its summary reply, the party said Kharge had already clarified his remarks.

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