PM Modi’s Remark on Kharge Sparks Uproar, Rajya Sabha Witnesses Stormy Showdown
A sharp remark by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge set off a political storm in Parliament on Thursday, plunging the Rajya Sabha into prolonged disorder and leading to an Opposition walkout. The exchange unfolded during the Prime Minister’s reply to the Motion of Thanks on the President’s address, turning what was expected to be a formal debate into a charged confrontation.
The tense session began when PM Modi, responding to persistent sloganeering from Opposition benches, made a quip about the 83-year-old Kharge, suggesting that he could be allowed to raise slogans while seated. Though delivered in a lighter tone, the comment was immediately perceived by Opposition leaders as a personal jibe at Kharge’s age and physical condition.
Within minutes, protests intensified in the Upper House. Members from the Congress and INDIA bloc accused the Prime Minister of showing disrespect to a senior leader and attempting to trivialise legitimate dissent. The atmosphere quickly deteriorated, with slogans echoing across the chamber.
The disruption occurred as Modi was addressing the House on the government’s performance and responding to issues raised in the President’s address, a key parliamentary exercise that outlines policy priorities and legislative intent.
The turning point came when Opposition MPs launched coordinated chants of “Tanashahi nahi, Indira ji ka apmaan nahi sahenge” and “Leader of the Opposition ko bolne do.” The slogans reflected anger over what they saw as systematic attempts to silence dissenting voices, especially that of Rahul Gandhi in the Lok Sabha.
The protests were linked to developments from the previous day, when Rahul Gandhi’s speech in the Lok Sabha was repeatedly interrupted. His references to an unpublished memoir by former Army Chief M. M. Naravane on the 2020 India-China border standoff were ruled out of order by the Chair, triggering strong reactions from the Opposition.
As Thursday’s debate progressed, members rose from their seats, crowded the aisles, and continued chanting. Amid the noise, PM Modi addressed C. P. Radhakrishnan, urging him to maintain order and allow proceedings to continue.
Despite repeated appeals, disruptions persisted. Eventually, several Opposition MPs staged a walkout, accusing the government of undermining parliamentary norms.
Earlier in the day, Leader of the House J. P. Nadda had criticised Opposition behaviour as “immature,” a remark that further deepened divisions and set the stage for confrontation.
Opposition leaders were quick to condemn the Prime Minister’s remark. A senior Congress MP said, “This was not humour. It was an attempt to mock a respected leader and distract from serious questions being raised.”
Another Opposition member stated, “Our protest is about protecting democracy. We will not accept restrictions on free speech inside Parliament.”
The Congress leadership maintained that Rahul Gandhi was being unfairly targeted and that debates on national security were being deliberately curtailed. They also accused the government of showing disregard for the legacy of leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi.
On the other hand, treasury bench members defended the Prime Minister. A BJP MP argued, “Rules exist for a reason. Sensitive national security matters cannot be discussed casually. The Opposition is creating chaos to avoid accountability.”
Government sources maintained that Rahul Gandhi’s references violated parliamentary conventions and risked demoralising institutions such as the armed forces.
Political analysts noted that both sides were speaking past each other, with little effort to de-escalate tensions.
The disruption had immediate and long-term implications. In the short term, legislative business suffered, with key discussions being delayed or curtailed. The Motion of Thanks debate, meant to provide a comprehensive review of government policy, was overshadowed by political theatrics.
In the broader context, the episode highlighted the deepening trust deficit between the ruling coalition and the Opposition. Over the past few sessions, Parliament has witnessed repeated disruptions, walkouts, and adjournments, raising concerns about the erosion of deliberative culture.
Historically, the Rajya Sabha has been viewed as a forum for measured debate and bipartisan dialogue. However, frequent confrontations in recent years suggest a shift towards more confrontational politics.
The controversy also reignited debates about freedom of speech within parliamentary limits, the role of the Chair in regulating discussions, and the balance between national security and transparency.
For the public, the spectacle reinforced perceptions of a polarised political environment, where symbolism and soundbites often overshadow substantive policy engagement.
Thursday’s stormy session was not an isolated incident but part of a larger pattern of escalating tensions in Parliament. PM Modi’s remark on Mallikarjun Kharge, though brief, became the flashpoint for accumulated grievances over restricted debates, procedural disputes, and political mistrust.
While the Prime Minister continued to highlight government achievements and policy responses, the charged atmosphere ensured that his message struggled to reach beyond the din of protests.
With crucial legislation and national issues awaiting discussion, the episode underlined the urgent need for dialogue, restraint, and mutual respect if Parliament is to function as the cornerstone of Indian democracy.
Our Final Thoughts
The Rajya Sabha disruption reflects the growing strain on India’s parliamentary culture. While sharp political exchanges are part of democracy, personal remarks and prolonged protests risk weakening institutional credibility. For meaningful governance, both the government and Opposition must move beyond confrontation and return to constructive debate. The health of Parliament ultimately depends on cooperation, accountability, and respect for democratic norms.