Bengaluru/IBNS: The Election Commission Wednesday issued a showcase notice to Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge's son Priyank Kharge for his comments on Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Calling his remarks "abusive" and prima facie, a violation of the Model Code of Conduct, the Commission said it will take appropriate action without any response from his side.

He has been asked to respond by Thursday.

Addressing a poll gathering in Karnataka last week, Priyank Kharge quoted from a speech of the Prime Minister.

"When you (PM Modi) came to Gulbarga (Kalaburagi) what did you tell the people of Banjara community? 'Do not be afraid. A son of the Banjaras is sitting in Delhi. But if an inept son is sitting in Delhi, how can you run the family?," he had said.

The BJP had been furious with Kharge's remarks coming on the heels of his father's derogatory comment about the Prime Minister. 

Union minister Anurag Thakur on Monday said Priyank Kharge is "outdoing" his father Mallikarjun Kharge in "abuse politics".

"Congress leaders are frustrated to see people of Karnataka extending overwhelming support to PM Shri Narendra Modi ji. Hence Cong leaders have again resorted to abuse Modiji, his family and community," he had tweeted.

The BJP had filed a complaint with the Election Commission, alleging a "smear campaign" against PM Modi.