On BJP's 'communal slur', Kharge is 'puzzled' over EC's inaction

New Delhi, NT Bureau: A day after the Election Commission of India penned an unprecedented letter, asserting that doubts raised by him would be viewed with 'contempt', Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge expressed bewilderment on Saturday over the apparent 'lack of urgency' shown by the poll body in addressing 'blatantly communal and casteist statements' made by leaders of the BJP. In a missive to the EC, Kharge noted that while the EC claims to respect citizens' rights to ask questions, it simultaneously issues a cautionary 'threat'.

He expressed satisfaction that the EC acknowledges its mandate to conduct elections smoothly, freely, and fairly under the Constitution.

“However, the lack of urgency shown by the commission in taking action against blatantly communal and casteist statements being made by the leaders of the ruling party that vitiates the electoral process seems puzzling,” Kharge said.