The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has formally requested the Election Commission of India to take stringent measures against Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge for labeling Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “terrorist.” This demand follows Kharge’s remarks during a campaign event in Chennai, which have ignited a political firestorm.

On Tuesday, while addressing the media, Kharge criticized the All India Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) for its alliance with the BJP, stating, “How can [the AIADMK] join with Modi…He is a terrorist.” These comments were made on the final day of campaigning ahead of the Tamil Nadu elections, scheduled for Thursday, with vote counting set for May 4.

However, following the backlash, Kharge sought to clarify his remarks, stating that he did not directly label the Prime Minister as a terrorist. Instead, he referred to the ongoing “tax terrorism” inflicted on opposition leaders, highlighting the actions of agencies like the Enforcement Directorate, the Income Tax department, and the Central Bureau of Investigation, which he claims are being wielded to intimidate the opposition. “This terrorism is being facilitated by the Prime Minister. He is scaring people and attempting to silence dissent through raids and electoral manipulation,” Kharge explained in an interview with ANI.

In response to Kharge’s incendiary comments, a delegation of senior BJP leaders, including Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, met with the Election Commission on Wednesday to push for action. Sitharaman, while addressing reporters post-meeting, described Kharge’s statements as not just derogatory but also harmful to the democratic fabric of the nation. According to her, such remarks could potentially incite unrest and undermine the spirit of free electoral discourse.

The Congress party, facing criticism, has rallied around Kharge, emphasizing the need for political accountability and highlighting what they term as the “misuse of power” by the current government. As the political climate heats up ahead of the Tamil Nadu elections, both parties are gearing up for a fierce battle, each accusing the other of undermining democracy.