Heated Debate in Rajya Sabha: Mallikarjun Kharge and Jagdeep Dhankhar Clash Over RSS

In New Delhi, a heated argument erupted in the Rajya Sabha during the debate on the Motion of Thanks to the President's address. The clash was between Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge and Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar over the influence of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on India's education system.

Kharge's Accusations

During the discussion, Kharge alleged that the education system has been taken over by BJP and RSS members. He stated, "Vice-Chancellors of Universities, Professors, NCERT, and CBSE are all under the control of RSS people and people with good ideas have no place there."

Dhankhar's Defense

Chairman Dhankhar intervened, questioning whether being a member of any organization is a crime. He said, "Kharge ji this will not go on record. I am expunging it.... Is it a crime to be a member of any organization? That's what you are saying, you are using words like hypocrites. How can I allow? You are saying that an organization took over. This is absolutely wrong. Suppose a person is a member of RSS, is it a crime in itself? What is communal about this?"

Dhankhar further defended the RSS, stating, "There is an organization which is working for the nation. It is working in the national interest. There are certified people in the country and the world. They are contributing to the country. These days, they have the highest qualifications in the world. You can see."

Further Interventions

Kharge responded, "This ideology is dangerous for the country, that is why I am saying this. This is Manuwadi." Leader of the House in the Rajya Sabha, JP Nadda, also intervened, calling Kharge's statement about the RSS irresponsible and demanding it be expunged.

Kharge countered, "I am not saying this, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel also said the same, and all the people of this country know that RSS people killed Mahatma Gandhi by provoking Godse."

Dhankhar concluded, "Kharge Ji, Nothing Will go on record. You are not making your point. You are engaging, unfortunately, painfully in bashing an organisation that is working for the nation tirelessly with a nationalist mindset. I would have expected a leader of your stature to say nothing but appreciate. As a senior member don't find yourself in chains, where appreciation is needed you must appreciate."

Following this, Nadda demanded that Kharge's statement be expunged, calling it condemnable and beyond the facts.