Synopsis
In the Rajya Sabha, a heated debate unfolded over Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge's controversial remarks, prompting BJP's JP Nadda to demand an apology. The altercation highlighted tensions between the Treasury and Opposition, with both sides engaged in fervent exchanges.Key Takeaways
- Kharge's remarks led to strong reactions from BJP.
- Nadda called for an apology or expungement of Kharge's comments.
- Deputy Chairman intervened to restore order.
- Kharge later apologized but defended his statements.
- The incident underscores ongoing tensions in the Rajya Sabha.
New Delhi, March 11 (NationPress) The Rajya Sabha experienced intense exchanges on Tuesday between the Treasury and Opposition benches, primarily due to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge's "offensive and unconstitutional" remarks, which the BJP accused him of directing towards the Chair.
As Kharge used the term 'thokenge' (thrashing) in his statements, seemingly as a rebuttal to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's assertions, the House erupted in chaos, with members from both factions engaging in a heated verbal confrontation.
Expressing strong disapproval of the "unparliamentary language", Leader of the House J. P. Nadda demanded that Kharge either issue an apology or have his statements removed from the House records.
Kharge's comments came just as Congress representative Digvijaya Singh was set to respond to the discussion regarding the Education Ministry's work. He also criticized the "absence" of the Education Minister from the session.
The uproar over the inappropriate remarks resulted in a direct confrontation between Leader of the Opposition Kharge and Leader of the House Nadda.
Nadda stated that Kharge had insulted the Chair by making such remarks. "Casting aspersions on the chair by a seasoned lawmaker like Kharge is highly condemnable. He must apologise for using unpardonable language against the chair. He must retract his statements or they should be expunged from the House's proceedings," Nadda, the Union Health Minister, asserted firmly.
As the tumult continued, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh stepped in, urging members to restore order.
Kharge, in light of the backlash, offered an apology to the House Deputy Chairman but insisted that his comments were not directed at him. "If I have hurt your feelings, I am sorry. But, this was not aimed at you. If any minister makes an uncultured, uncivilised statement against a certain part of the country, he must be called out," Kharge stated.
Following this, Leader of the House Nadda accepted Kharge's apology but emphasized that Kharge should retract his remarks. "It's good that Kharge withdrew his remarks. His gesture deserves praise. However, his comments against the government can't be accepted," Nadda added.
Kharge's statements appear to have given the BJP new ammunition to target the Congress party. The assertive BJP is likely to intensify its critique of the Congress chief's comments in the coming days.
