New Delhi March 11
Row erupted in Rajya Sabha over Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge "thokenge" remarks on Tuesday leading to heavy criticism of Leader of Opposition by Bharatiya Janata Party National President JP Nadda calling it an "attack" on the chair.
Kharge statement came while he was speaking about Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan after his remark against Tamil Nadu government pertaining to the issue of three-language policy.
Speaking in the Rajya Sabha Kharge said, "This is a dictatorship. I request you (Deputy Chairman) with folded hands to allow me (to speak). Aapko kya kya thokna hai thik se thokenge, sarkar ko bhi thokenge".
Union Minister JP Nadda heavily criticised Kharge' remarks and demanded an apology from the LoP of the Rajya Sabha.
"The language used by him and the attack on the Chair is condemnable. He should condemn it and apologize for using this language for the Chair. He should take back his words or it should be expunged," Nadda said.
Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh also expressed dissatisfaction over Kharge's remark, noting his seniority in the House.
Kharge immediately apologised for his remark, clarifying that his remark was not aimed at the chair but towards government and its policy.
"I apologize to you (Deputy Chairman), I have not used these words for you. I have said that 'hum sarkar ki policies ko thokenge'. I apologise to you and not to the government..." Kharge said.
Further speaking about Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan comments, Kharge said, "If you (Dharmendra Pradhan) will speak to hurt the sentiments of one segment of the country and if you say that they are uncultured, uncivilized than you should resign. You are talking about dividing the country."
On Monday, Pradhan while speaking in Lok Sabha yesterday, accused the Tamil Nadu government and opposition MPs from Tamil Nadu of being "liars" and "uncivilised."
Pradhan, in his remarks during Question Hour, alleged that the DMK-led Tamil Nadu government had initially agreed to implement the PM Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) scheme in the state but later went back on their promise. The DMK staged a protest, over the union minister's remarks that led to an adjournment of proceedings of the Lower House of Parliament.
"They (DMK) are dishonest. They are not committed to the students of Tamil Nadu. They are ruining the future of Tamil Nadu students. Their only job is to raise language barriers. They are doing politics. They are undemocratic and uncivilised," Pradhan said.
- ANI