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number … both dated April 22, 2026, and signed by two different officials,” Ramesh said, adding that if one had been withdrawn, there was no mention of it.He also pointed out that while one notice cited a complaint by Trinamool Congress leader Derek O’Brien, the other version uploaded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.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘Uninformed, Inappropriate’: India Responds To Trump’s ‘Hell-hole’ Comment‘In Touch With Iran’: MEA Confirms Indian Crew Safe After Hormuz FiringViolent Clashes Mar Bengal Phase 1 Voting As Tamil Stars Contribute To 82% TurnoutFrance Waives Airport Transit Visa For Indian Nationals, Boosts Travel EaseTop Military Leadership Of India And US Engage To Discuss Common Concerns In The Indo-pacificEx-Domestic Worker Arrested in Delhi IIT Graduate Murder; Linked to Alwar CaseTrump Sparks Outrage After Reposting ‘Hellholes’ Remark on India, China Amid Citizenship DebateUS Congressman Urges Pakistan To Act Against LeT, JeM; Renews Focus On Cross-Border TerrorWest Bengal Poll Violence: Blast In Murshidabad Injures Multiple During VotingVijay Writes To EC Seeking Poll Extension Amid 17.69% Early Turnout In Tamil Nadu123PhotostoriesGarad to Tangail: 5 underrated textiles from West Bengal you need to knowRoyal birthdays in May 2026: List of upcoming birthdays of Royals across the worldExclusive – Parth Samthaan on Mahid’s popularity, Sehar Hone Ko Hai and work-life balance: ‘We never tried to create controversy or show religion as propaganda’7 ways to make your first home feel right—cozy, functional, and personalMeghan Markle to Katy Perry: Ultimate celebrity backyards that serve as private hideawaysTop 5 elite residential neighbourhoods in Lucknow for end-users and investorsHow to identify a papaya which has been artificially ripenedWhy did Prime Minister Narendra Modi praise Indian cheese in a social media postInside ‘Dhurandhar’ director Aditya Dhar and Yami Gautam’s Rs 20 crore Bandra home: Minimalism, nature and quiet luxuryThink you’re healthy and safe from a heart attack? Doctors warn hidden risk factors may be putting you at risk: Here’s what to watch for123Hot PicksBengal Election 2026UP Board Class 10 result 2026Bengal election dos and don’tsTamil Nadu pollsSIR ProtestTN election dos and don’tsBank Holidays AprilTop TrendingWest Bengal electionTamil Nadu electionCBSE 10th Second Board Exam ScheduleBan vs NZTS EAMCET Hall TicketUPMSP 10th ResultUPMSP 12th ResultDelhi Murder NewsUP Board Result TimeIPL Orange Cap
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.
