Congress slams EC for notice to Kharge, seeks more time

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued a show-cause notice to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, alleging a violation of the model code of conduct for remarks made about Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Congress party, however, has pushed back strongly, requesting an extension to respond and accusing the ECI of a biased and hasty approach. According to Hindustan Times, the party contends that Kharge's statement, where he clarified he meant Modi was "terrorising" the democratic fabric, was misinterpreted or deliberately misconstrued.

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We are in receipt of two notices with the same number, F. No. 437/TNLA/2026/SS-I (MCC Complaint), both dated 22.04.2026 and signed by two different officials of the Commission.

Congress's response, submitted by AICC general secretary Jairam Ramesh, highlights procedural concerns, noting the receipt of two notices with the same number but signed by different officials, and questioning the complainant's identity in one of them. This, the party argues, points to a "casual and routine manner" in which the ECI operates, often based solely on the ruling party's complaints without adequate application of mind. The demand for a mere 24-hour response window is deemed insufficient, especially given Kharge's ongoing campaign activities.

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This indicates the casual and routine manner in which the EC is issuing show cause notices merely on the basis of the ruling party’s complainants’ versions and without any application of mind and by giving a time of mere 24 hours to file responses.

Furthermore, the Congress has drawn the ECI's attention to alleged violations by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) that have gone unaddressed. These include Prime Minister Modi's national address following a legislative failure and a social media post by Union Home Minister Amit Shah promising financial incentives. From the Congress's perspective, this selective enforcement by the ECI suggests a lack of impartiality. The party's demand for a week-long extension and the opportunity for a senior delegation to present their case underscores their assertion that natural justice requires a more thorough and fair process than what they believe the ECI is currently affording them.

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It almost seems the CEC is executing the notice as a formality rather than as an act in discharge of natural justice.