A heated exchange erupted in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday between the Leader of the House, JP Nadda, and the Leader of Opposition (LoP), Mallikarjun Kharge. The clash occurred shortly after the House proceedings resumed, leading to a demand from Nadda for the expunging of Kharge’s “political statement” from the official record.
The day’s proceedings began with Sasmit Patra in the Chair, who called upon Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya to begin the legislative business. However, opposition members promptly demanded that Kharge be allowed to speak.
Kharge then addressed the House, raising the issue of Special Intensive Revision (SIR) and calling for an immediate discussion on the matter. He alleged that “lakhs of votes” of Dalits, Adivasis, minorities, and other poor and marginalized sections of society were “being cut” as part of this process. Kharge stated that opposition MPs had collectively raised this concern and that the government should provide a response.
He further asserted that if the government truly wished to uphold Parliament and democracy, they should grant permission to discuss the issue. Kharge warned that a refusal to do so would be seen as an act against the Constitution. He highlighted that the SIR process, which he claimed began in Bihar and would extend to Assam, Bengal, and the rest of the country, was specifically affecting the poor, Dalits, Adivasis, and OBCs.
In response, JP Nadda urged the Rajya Sabha Chair to expunge Kharge’s remarks, calling them a “political statement.” Kharge, on the other hand, maintained that the opposition was keen for the Parliament to function and hold discussions, alleging that it was the Centre that was preventing the House from operating.