A significant stir has occurred in the Rajya Sabha regarding the comments made by Mallikarjun Kharge, the Leader of the Opposition and Congress president, which have been deemed “offensive” during a discussion on delimitation and the purported ‘imposition’ of Hindi through the three-language formula under the New Education Policy (NEP).
Though Mallikarjun Kharge has expressed remorse and retracted his statement—a Hindi phrase suggesting ‘defeating someone’ or ‘putting a pin in’—the members of parliament were quick to respond with outrage, claiming the remarks were aimed at the Chair.
JP Nadda, the Leader of the House, stepped in and stated that the expression used by the Leader of the Opposition was unacceptable.
“The language employed by the Leader of the Opposition, along with the insinuations directed at the Chair, is despicable… This must be condemned by all. The terms and language used in reference to the Chair are inexcusable, and he should still apologise while the words should be expunged,” he remarked.
In his statement, Mallikarjun Kharge offered his apologies to Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh and clarified that his comments were aimed at government policies rather than the Deputy Chairman himself.
“I extend my apologies to you [Deputy Chairman], as my intention was not to direct these words towards you. I apologise to you, not to the government. I regret if my remarks caused you any distress,” Mallikarjun Kharge articulated during his clarification.
As discussions regarding the Education Ministry’s functioning commenced in the Upper House shortly after the Question Hour, numerous Opposition members were on their feet, calling for an apology from Minister Dharmendra Pradhan for his statements concerning the Tamil Nadu government.
Dharmendra Pradhan had previously accused the Tamil Nadu government of “jeopardizing the future of students” in the state for political motives in relation to its position on the three-language policy.
