Uproar in RS over Kharge’s remarks, Cong leader apologises

The controversy unfolded during an ongoing Opposition protest, which demanded an apology from Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over his comments against the Tamil Nadu Government on March 10. As tensions escalated, Kharge intervened, leading to a heated exchange.

While Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh reminded Kharge that he had been given an opportunity to speak earlier, the Congress leader responded sharply, saying, “This is a dictatorship.” He further declared that the Opposition was ready to “hit back” and “corner the government.”

The remarks led to a storm of protests from the BJP, with Leader of the House JP Nadda condemning Kharge’s words as “unpardonable” and demanding an apology.

“It is very sad that the Leader of the Opposition, an experienced politician, has cast aspersions on the Chair. His language against the Chair is condemnable and unpardonable. He should apologise,” Nadda said.

Amid rising tensions, Kharge clarified that his remarks were directed at the government’s policies, not the Chair.

“I am sorry. I was not speaking about you (the Chair), but about government policies. If my words hurt you, I apologise,” Kharge said.

However, Nadda remained firm in his stance, asserting that the remarks were unacceptable, even if directed at the government. The incident underscored the deepening rift between the ruling party and the Opposition as parliamentary tensions continue to mount.