Intense Debate in Rajya Sabha Over Parliamentary Procedures
The Rajya Sabha recently experienced a heated debate between opposition leader Mallikarjun Kharge and Union Minister JP Nadda regarding parliamentary procedures. This confrontation arose after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech was disrupted in the Lok Sabha. Kharge criticized restrictions on discussing national interest issues, while Nadda defended the government's openness to dialogue. The exchange escalated, with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju also weighing in. This incident highlights ongoing tensions within Parliament and raises questions about the conduct of discussions on critical national matters.
Feb 5, 2026, 12:35 IST
Heated Exchange in Rajya Sabha
On Thursday, the Rajya Sabha witnessed a heated exchange as opposition leader Mallikarjun Kharge clashed with Union Minister JP Nadda over parliamentary procedures. This confrontation occurred just a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech in the Lok Sabha was disrupted.
Kharge raised concerns regarding restrictions on discussing national interest issues in Parliament, which sparked a sharp rebuttal from Nadda. He pointed out that in the Lok Sabha, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was not allowed to speak on matters of national significance, prompting Nadda to respond critically. Kharge emphasized that Parliament encompasses both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, questioning how the house could function effectively if the opposition leader was silenced on crucial topics.
In response, Nadda firmly dismissed Kharge's allegations and reminded the house of parliamentary traditions. He stated that discussions about Lok Sabha proceedings should not take place in the Rajya Sabha. Nadda further asserted that the government led by Prime Minister Modi is always open to discussions on any subject.
Nadda mentioned that Modi is always prepared to answer questions in the Lok Sabha, but the opposition is hindering the proceedings. He also noted that Union Minister Piyush Goyal had addressed the opposition's request regarding the India-US trade agreements. Kharge countered by accusing the BJP of stifling voices and claimed that the party has shackled Modi, preventing him from speaking freely. He remarked that the ruling party's members are like bonded laborers and asserted that the opposition refrains from using abusive language, unlike the ruling party.
As the debate intensified, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman intervened, requesting the removal of the term "lynch" used by Kharge from the record. Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju also stepped in, urging adherence to the rules and traditions of the house amidst repeated disruptions during the budget session. Rijiju expressed that all MPs expect compliance with these norms and highlighted that while some members may not wish to hear the Prime Minister's speech, many others are eager to listen.