New Delhi: A heated exchange erupted in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday after Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge alleged that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was being deliberately prevented from speaking in the Lok Sabha, triggering a war of words between the Opposition and the Treasury benches.
Raising the issue during proceedings in the Upper House, Kharge said Parliament comprises both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, and blocking the Leader of the Opposition in the Lower House from speaking undermined democratic principles. “The Lok Sabha LoP wanted to speak in the interest of the country but was not allowed. How can Parliament function like this?” he asked.
The Congress has been protesting the government for allegedly denying Rahul Gandhi an opportunity to speak on the India-China standoff, citing references to former Army Chief General M M Naravane’s unpublished memoir.
Kharge’s remarks drew strong objections from Leader of the House J P Nadda and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, who argued that proceedings of the Lok Sabha ca
nnot be discussed in the Rajya Sabha. “The LoP should know that Lok Sabha proceedings cannot be raised here. This has been ruled upon by previous chairmen,” Nadda said.
Unfazed, Kharge continued his attack, accusing the government of paralysing Parliament and betraying the nation. In a sharp jibe, he alleged that when Rahul Gandhi sought to speak on national interest, the ruling party reacted dismissively, remarking, “Aapko khujli uthi hai” (you get itchy)…”
Responding forcefully, Nadda said the Modi government was open to all discussions but accused the Opposition of disrupting proceedings. “The Prime Minister was ready to answer questions, but you did not allow the House to function. Statements were made on issues you raised, yet you stalled Parliament,” he said, rejecting claims that democracy was under threat.
He also took a swipe at the Congress, saying, “Don’t make your party hostage to an innocent child,” using the phrase “abodh balak”.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also intervened, objecting to Kharge’s use of the word “lynching” and citing incidents from Congress-ruled states to counter the allegations.
Kharge later protested what he called the humiliation of former Prime Ministers Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi by BJP members, referring to recent citations from controversial books in parliamentary debates.
The showdown further deepened the logjam in Parliament, with no immediate resolution in sight.