Mallikarjun Kharge apologises, withdraws ‘derogatory’ remark after huge uproar in Rajya Sabha

A huge uproar erupted in the Rajya Sabha over alleged “derogatory” remarks made by Leader of Opposition and Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge during a debate on delimitation and the alleged imposition of Hindi under the three-language formula in the New Education Policy (NEP).

While Mallikarjun Kharge has apologised and withdrawn his comments—a Hindi expression meaning ‘knocking someone out’ or ‘nailing’—the MPs erupted in uproar, alleging they were directed at the Chair.

Leader of the House JP Nadda intervened and said the expression used by the Leader of the Opposition is condemnable.

“The language used by the Leader of Opposition, the aspersions on the chair, is condemnable... This is to be condemned by one and all. The words and language used for the Chair is unpardonable, still he should apologise and the word should be expunged,” he said.

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In his statement, Mallikarjun Kharge apologised to Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh and clarified that the comments were made for the government policies and not him.

“I apologise to you [Deputy Chairman], I have not used these words for you. I apologise to you and not to the government. I am sorry if you were hurt by my remarks, I apologise to you,” Mallikarjun Kharge said in his clarification.

As the Upper House took up a discussion on the working of the Education Ministry soon after the Question Hour, several Opposition members were on their feet, demanding an apology from Minister Dharmendra Pradhan for his remarks against the Tamil Nadu government.

Dharmendra Pradhan had on Monday, March 10, slammed the MK Stalin-led government for its stand on the three-language policy, accusing it of “ruining the future of the students” in the state for politics.