Kharge challenges Modi on electoral integrity as Rijiju hits back at critics

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has escalated pressure on the government, calling on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to publicly respond to allegations of electoral misconduct. Kharge specifically cited multiple shifts in the Election Commission's position regarding the Satellite Imagery Report (SIR), claiming the poll body had reversed its stance on five separate occasions.

The Congress leader's assertions reflected mounting opposition concerns about the integrity of recent electoral processes. Kharge's challenge came as part of broader congressional criticism of government handling of electoral management and transparency in the voting process.

In response, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju sparred with opposition critics, characterizing certain detractors as "ideological Naxals"—a term he used to describe what he termed intellectuals advancing anti-national positions through non-violent means. Rijiju's remarks reflected the widening rhetorical gulf between the ruling coalition and opposition parties over electoral and governance issues.

The exchange underscores deepening political tensions ahead of ongoing electoral processes. The controversy around the Election Commission's position on satellite imagery—purportedly used to verify electoral data—has emerged as a focal point of opposition criticism regarding the government's electoral credibility and institutional independence.