Rajya Sabha Disrupted Over Mallikarjun Kharge's 'Derogatory' Remark; Congress Chief Issues Clarification

The Rajya Sabha on Tuesday intense debates over the three-language policy, igniting tensions between Tamil Nadu leaders and the Central Government. During the discussion on the National Education Policy (NEP), Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge made a controversial remark that led to chaos in the house. BJP was quick to counter Kharge for using language they deemed inappropriate for the chairperson.

Kharge later clarified that his comment was aimed at the government's policies, not individuals. He apologised for his words, which were later removed from official records. The uproar continued as opposition members demanded an apology from Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan for his comments directed at DMK MPs regarding the NEP's language policy.

Contentious Language Policy

The debate intensified when Congress leader Digvijay Singh was called to speak, but Kharge interrupted to address Pradhan's remarks. Kharge accused the government of acting like a dictatorship, prompting Deputy Chairperson Harivansh to ask him to sit down. The session highlighted ongoing disagreements over language policies in education.

The controversy revolves around the NEP's three-language formula, which has been a point of contention between Tamil Nadu and the Centre. The state's leaders have expressed strong opposition to imposing Hindi as a mandatory language in schools, arguing it undermines regional languages and cultural identity.

Opposition's Stand

Amidst this backdrop, opposition parties have united in their demand for clarity and fairness in implementing language policies. They argue that any attempt to impose Hindi could lead to cultural erosion and disregard for linguistic diversity. The heated exchanges in Rajya Sabha reflect broader concerns about preserving regional identities within India's diverse linguistic landscape.

As discussions continue, stakeholders are urged to find a balanced approach that respects both national unity and regional autonomy. The ongoing debate underscores the complexities of formulating education policies in a multilingual nation like India.