Political Firestorm Erupts in Rajya Sabha Over Language Remarks

A debate in the Rajya Sabha turned contentious after Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge's comments drew criticism from BJP President JP Nadda. Kharge immediately apologized, clarifying his remarks targeted government policies, not the chair, amid a broader debate on language and cultural remarks in Indian politics.

Contentious debates unfolded in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday, sparked by remarks from Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge. The comments, which included the term 'thokenge', led to sharp criticism from Bharatiya Janata Party President JP Nadda, who perceived it as an attack on the chamber's decorum.

Kharge's statement came during a discussion about Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's comments on the Tamil Nadu government's stance on the three-language policy. Kharge stated, 'This is a dictatorship. Aapko kya kya thokna hai thik se thokenge, sarkar ko bhi thokenge,' prompting Nadda to demand an immediate apology.

While Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh expressed dissatisfaction with Kharge, the Congress leader clarified that his words were directed at government policies rather than the chair. He apologized to the deputy chairman, emphasizing that his intentions were being misconstrued amid the ongoing linguistic and cultural debate in Indian politics.

(With inputs from agencies.)