'Take back words': Kharge apologizes after row over 'thokenge' comment
What's the story
The Rajya Sabha descended into chaos on Tuesday after Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge made a statement that appeared to be a slip of the tongue to the chair. The incident happened during discussions on the National Education Policy (NEP) when the Congress party president raised concerns about the education minister's absence in the morning session and requested to speak again. But the request was denied by the chair.
Statement
Kharge's remarks trigger controversy
In response to the chair's refusal, Kharge made a controversial statement, "Hum poori tayyari se aaye hain aur aapko kya kya thokna hai thik se thokenge, sarkar ko bhi thokenge." Kharge instantly apologized and retracted the remark. He explained that he intended to criticize the government rather than the Chair. "I apologize, I never spoke against you," he said. "I criticized the government's policy, and I said sorry if my words seemed harsh to you."
Disapproval
Deputy Chairman also disapproves of Kharge's comments
Union Minister JP Nadda objected to these remarks and said, "The language used for the chair is unparliamentary. The body language used against the chair is unacceptable and not forgivable." Deputy Chairman Harivansh also expressed disapproval over Kharge's remarks. He acknowledged the Congress leader's seniority in the House and emphasized the need for appropriate language choice.
Political tension
Pradhan's comments on DMK spark controversy
The row came a day after Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's comments triggered a war of words with Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) MPs. Pradhan had termed the Tamil Nadu government "dishonest" and the people of the state "uncivilized." He criticized the DMK over the state's refusal to implement the three-language policy, accusing them of playing politics at the cost of Tamil Nadu students' future.