The temperatures in Rajya Sabha got heated during Tuesday’s session after Leader of the House JP Nadda made controversial remarks against Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge. Tensions flared after Kharge delivered a sharp, hour-long speech critical of the government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Kharge questioned the seriousness of PM Modi on issues of national security by pointing out that he was not a part of the all-party meeting his government called after the Pahalgam attack. “He instead went to Bihar for campaigning,” Kharge said.
Responding to his speech, Nadda said Kharge’s choice of words used during his speech “did not reflect his stature” and that he “lost his mental balance”. Nadda’s comment sparked immediate outrage from the Opposition benches.
Nadda apologises to Kharge
Demanding an apology, Kharge said he had always respected Nadda as a senior leader in the NDA government but found the remarks “shameful and uncalled for”. Nadda quickly attempted damage control and said that he is “taking back his words” and that he did not intend to hurt Kharge. “If my words hurt his feelings, I apologise,” he added.
However, Nadda also took the opportunity to defend the Prime Minister. “Modi ji is not just the BJP’s pride, but the pride of the nation. The Opposition leader should have chosen his words more carefully,” Nadda further said.
‘Expunge Kharge’s remarks’
Nadda urged the Chair to expunge Kharge’s remarks, calling them emotional and not befitting of his stature. “I have already taken back my words, but if they have hurt his (Kharge’s) feelings, I apologise for the same. However, Kharge did cross his limits and made certain remarks against the prime minister in passion and out of emotion, which need to be expunged,” Nadda said.
“He has long experience. The choice of words used during his speech did not reflect his stature. The kind of words used by him were below his stature. Therefore, I urge you to expunge those words,” Nadda urged the chair.
The Chair assured members that both sets of remarks would be reviewed.