New Delhi (India), March 12: The Rajya Sabha has been adjourned until Monday, with the House scheduled to reconvene at 11:00 AM on March 17, following a break for the Holi festival.
The adjournment came after a massive uproar in the Upper House on Tuesday, triggered by a controversial remark from Leader of Opposition (LoP) and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge. His statement, which was made during a discussion on the Tamil Nadu government’s stance on the three-language policy, sparked strong objections from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
While speaking about Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Kharge said, “…I request you (Deputy Chairman) with folded hands to allow me (to speak)… ‘aapko kya kya thokna hai thik se thokenge, sarkar ko bhi thokenge’” (Translation: ‘We will hit properly what needs to be hit, and we will also hit the government’).
This remark was immediately met with a strong response from BJP leaders, who deemed Kharge’s words disrespectful to the Chair. Union Health Minister JP Nadda demanded an apology from the Congress President and suggested that the statement be expunged from the official Parliament proceedings.
“The language used by him and the attack on the Chair is condemnable. He should apologize for his statement and take back his words. If he does not, it should be expunged,” Nadda said.
Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh also expressed dissatisfaction, noting Kharge’s seniority in the House. In response, Kharge promptly apologized, clarifying that his remark was directed at the government and its policies, not at the Deputy Chairman.
“I apologize to you (Deputy Chairman), I have not used these words for you. I said that ‘we will oppose the government’s policies’. I apologize to you, but not to the government,” Kharge explained.
In addition to the controversy surrounding Kharge’s remark, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan once again addressed the concerns raised by the opposition regarding the National Education Policy (NEP) and allegations from the DMK about the imposition of Hindi.
Pradhan defended the government’s stance on the NEP and rejected the claims that the government intended to divide society through language policies. He emphasized that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government would never use language as a tool for division.
“The central government under Prime Minister Modi has always acknowledged Tamil as an ancient and important language. Tamil is not anyone’s monopoly, and we are committed to preserving it,” Pradhan said. He also noted his personal connection to Tamil Nadu, stating, “My mother is from Tamil Nadu. In my society, mother and sisters are above everything. If I have hurt anyone with my words, I sincerely apologize.”
The issue surrounding the three-language policy has remained a point of contention, with the opposition, particularly in southern states like Tamil Nadu, voicing strong opposition to any perceived attempt to impose Hindi.
The proceedings in the Rajya Sabha were disrupted as the members continued to express their dissatisfaction with the remarks, and the House was subsequently adjourned.