Uproar in Rajya Sabha over Mallikarjun Kharge’s ‘Uncultured and Uncivilized’ remark

During a heated debate on the National Education Policy (NEP) in the Rajya Sabha, Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge made a remark that sparked a significant controversy. His comment widely interpreted as “knock someone out” was criticized by BJP MPs as unparliamentary and allegedly directed at the chairperson. Kharge, however, maintained that his words were aimed at critiquing the government’s policies.

Following the uproar, Kharge apologized, and the remark was subsequently removed from the official Rajya Sabha records. The incident unfolded during a session on the workings of the Education Ministry. The opposition had been demanding an apology from Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan after he had reportedly made an “uncivilised” remark towards DMK MPs concerning the three-language policy in the NEP.

As the debate intensified, Deputy Chairperson Harivansh invited Congress leader Digvijay Singh to begin the discussion. In the midst of the commotion, Kharge interjected, accusing the government of authoritarianism and warning that the opposition would hold it accountable over the NEP. His comment prompted Leader of the House JP Nadda to label it as condemnable and unparliamentary.

After the disruption, Kharge clarified that his words were not meant for the chairperson but were instead directed at criticizing government policies. He added that if his remarks had hurt the Deputy Chairperson, he sincerely apologized. Later, on the social platform X, Kharge further explained that his criticism was aimed at Pradhan’s comments, which he felt were undermining the dignity of a section of the country. He even went as far as to suggest that if the minister’s remarks were truly unacceptable, he should step down, accusing the government of dividing and weakening the nation.