New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a dig at Congress president and Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, prompting walkout by Opposition members.
Having been advised by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla not to speak during Motion of Thanks to the President Droupadi’s Murmu’s Budget session speech on Wednesday, Modi did address the Upper House a day later.
As the Prime Minister began his speech, Opposition members, including Kharge, raised slogans, disrupting proceedings.
Responding to the vociferous chants, PM Modi made a remark referring to Kharge’s
age, suggesting that he could continue raising slogans while being seated to avoid discomfort.
“Meri ek prarthana hai, adarniye Kharge ji ke umar dekhte huye, wo baith kar bhi naare bol sakte hain toh accha hoga, taaki unko kasht na ho. Peeche naujawan bahot log hain, toh Kharge ji ko baithke bhi naare bolne ki anumati de dijiye (I have one request. Considering Kharge ji’s age, it would be better if he could raise slogans while seated, so that he does not face any discomfort. There are many young people standing behind him, so please allow Kharge ji to chant slogans even while sitting),” Modi remarked.
The Opposition benches, especially Congress members, didn’t like the comment and accused the Prime Minister of making personal remarks.
Following another exchange, Opposition MPs staged a walkout from the House.
Notwithstanding the walkout, the PM continued his speech, defending the government’s record and attacking the Opposition over its performance and credibility.