A heated exchange took place in the Rajya Sabha on March 11, 2025, after Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge used the term “thokenge” (which roughly translates to “knock them out” in Hindi) during a debate on the National Education Policy (NEP). His comments immediately triggered uproar in the House, with BJP leaders accusing him of using derogatory language. The remarks have since led to significant political fallout, with calls for an apology and clarification.
In This Article:
The Controversial Remarks
The controversy erupted when Kharge, while critiquing the government’s stance on the NEP, used the word “thokenge”. This word, which many members of the BJP found offensive, was perceived as inflammatory and inappropriate for the decorum of the Rajya Sabha. The BJP, led by Party President JP Nadda, immediately demanded that Kharge apologize for his comments, accusing him of disrespecting the institution.
BJP’s Immediate Reaction
The BJP’s response was swift and firm. Party leaders, including Nadda, condemned the language used by Kharge, calling it “unparliamentary” and “unacceptable.” In a strongly worded statement, Nadda demanded that Kharge issue an immediate apology and that the remark be expunged from the official records of the House. BJP members argued that such language had no place in a parliamentary debate, which should be conducted with respect and civility.
Nadda’s criticism was supported by other prominent BJP leaders, who expressed outrage over what they called Kharge’s “inappropriate” use of language. They further argued that such remarks could potentially disrupt the decorum of Parliament and undermine its functioning.
Kharge’s Apology and Clarification
In response to the uproar, Mallikarjun Kharge took the floor of the Rajya Sabha to offer an apology. He expressed regret over his words, clarifying that the term “thokenge” was never meant to target any individual, and was used as a general expression of frustration with the government’s policies. Kharge stated that his remarks were directed at the government’s stance on the NEP, not at any particular member of Parliament.
Kharge added that his intention was never to disrespect the Chair or any individual. He offered a sincere apology for any unintended offense caused by his language and clarified that the remark was not meant to be personal. His clarification was intended to pacify the agitated BJP members and end the controversy, but it did little to quell the storm.
BJP’s Continued Demands for Accountability
Despite Kharge’s apology, BJP leaders remained adamant that the Congress leader’s comments were inappropriate. JP Nadda insisted that Kharge should be held accountable for his remarks and demanded that further actions be taken. The BJP’s strong stance on the matter indicated that the political implications of the controversy were far from over.
Members of the ruling party also raised questions about the tone of debates in the Rajya Sabha, pointing out that such language could undermine the dignity of the House. BJP MPs continued to call for the remarks to be expunged from the official records of the House, and some even suggested that Kharge should face disciplinary action for his un-parliamentary language.
The Debate Around the NEP and the Controversy
The controversy occurred amid intense debates surrounding the National Education Policy. The NEP has been a subject of dispute for months, with opposition parties, including the Congress and DMK, criticizing the government for its handling of key aspects of the policy. One point of contention is the three-language formula, which has sparked protests in some states, including Tamil Nadu, where the DMK party is a key player.
Opposition MPs, including Kharge, have expressed concerns over the imposition of the NEP’s provisions, particularly the language policy. This context contributed to the heightened tensions in the Rajya Sabha, which had already been a battleground for discussions over the policy.
Kharge’s Apology and Expunction of Remarks
In the aftermath of the debate, the Rajya Sabha Chairman accepted Kharge’s apology, and the contentious remark was officially expunged from the records. The decision to expunge the comment was a formal response to the uproar caused by the language, and it was seen as an attempt to restore order to the proceedings.
Kharge’s apology, however, was not the end of the matter. BJP members continued to demand a formal reprimand for the Congress leader. The debate underscored the growing animosity between the ruling and opposition parties in Parliament, especially in the run-up to state elections.
The episode highlighted the often volatile nature of parliamentary discourse, especially when controversial issues like the NEP are discussed. While Mallikarjun Kharge’s apology may have helped to calm tensions momentarily, the controversy surrounding his remarks is likely to have long-lasting political repercussions. As the political landscape continues to heat up in the run-up to elections, the incident has once again brought attention to the challenges of maintaining civility in India’s increasingly polarized political environment.
By – Kartik
