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In the election season, the war of words among the leaders has now started crossing the limits of decorum. A controversial statement given by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge against Prime Minister Narendra Modi has now gained momentum. The Election Commission of India (ECI), taking a tough stand in this matter, has issued a notice to Kharge and sought his reply within just 24 hours. This quick action of the Commission has intensified the political stir from Delhi to the election states.

What is the whole matter and why is there an uproar?

This whole controversy started during an election rally, where Mallikarjun Kharge had targeted PM Modi and called him a “terrorist”. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) immediately objected to this and lodged a formal complaint with the Election Commission. BJP says that this is not only an insult to the dignity of the post of Prime Minister, but also a statement that hurts the sentiments of crores of voters of the country. The Election Commission has considered this a serious violation of the ‘Model Code of Conduct’ (MCC) and has made it clear that personal attacks are not acceptable in a democracy.

Kharge got 24 hours ultimatum

Considering the seriousness of this matter, the Election Commission has given time only till tomorrow (April 23) to Kharge to present his side. Usually more time is given to respond to the notice, but this deadline of 24 hours shows that the Commission is in no mood to give any relaxation in this matter. Now everyone’s eyes are on what arguments the Congress President presents in his defence.

Election Commission can take major action

If Mallikarjun Kharge’s reply is not found satisfactory, he may be punished severely. As the biggest action, the Election Commission can ban him from campaigning for 24 to 72 hours. In the past too, many veteran leaders have had to face such ‘silence’ due to inflammatory statements. Further, the Commission may issue a strong public condemnation or directly order the filing of an FIR if such mistake is repeated in future.

Congress’s problems may increase

The impact of this action will not be limited to Kharge only. The Commission may issue a strict advisory to the Congress Party, warning its star campaigners to maintain decorum. If the violations continue, the status of star campaigner can also be taken away. Congress may have to adopt a defensive stance due to getting trapped in such legal trouble at the last moment of elections, while BJP will try to garner sympathy among the public by capitalizing on this issue.