National Desk
4 April
Sandeep Dhand
Journalist & Research Analysist
Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has strongly rejected the allegations made by BJP MP Anurag Thakur. He challenged Thakur to either prove his claims or resign from the Lok Sabha. The controversy arose during a discussion on the Waqf Bill in the Lok Sabha, where Thakur made certain remarks that Kharge claimed were an attack on his dignity. Although these comments were later removed from the official records, the issue sparked protests from opposition parties, leading to a walkout in the Rajya Sabha.
Kharge, addressing the Rajya Sabha, demanded an apology from the ruling party. He stated, “I expect an apology from the Leader of the House, which the ruling party should provide. If Thakur cannot prove his allegations, he has no right to remain in Parliament and should resign. If he proves his claims, I will resign.”
The senior Congress leader also challenged the BJP MP to present evidence that he or his family has encroached upon even an inch of Waqf land. Kharge emphasized his long political career, stating, “In my 60 years in politics, no one has ever questioned my integrity. I may break, but I will never bow down.”
In response, Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju acknowledged Kharge’s concerns and said, “We have heard the words of the Leader of the Opposition. I have always maintained that we must respect each other.” However, despite his statement, the uproar in the Rajya Sabha continued.
Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar later announced that a parliamentary ethics committee, led by Ghanshyam Tiwari, has been assigned the task of developing a system for counseling members on maintaining decorum in the House.