New Delhi, April 22 -- The Congress party has launched a coordinated counter-offensive against the Election Commission of India (ECI), following the 24-hour ultimatum issued to Party President Mallikarjun Kharge.

High-ranking leaders have characterised the notice as a "partisan" move, insisting that Kharge's "terrorist" remark was a metaphorical critique of the government's governance style rather than a personal slur.

Speaking to ANI on Wednesday, Congress leader Rashid Alvi emphasised that the matter should be considered closed following Kharge's explanation of his intent that it was meant as the PM "terrorising people and political parties".

"Mallikarjun Kharge has given clarification. He has said that there is an atmosphere of fear...