Kharge and Nadda Spar in Rajya Sabha Over 'Khujli', 'Abodh Balak' Remarks

A significant political confrontation unfolded in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday, February 5, 2026, marked by sharp exchanges and personal jibes between Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge of the Congress and Leader of the House J.P. Nadda of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The heated debate centered around allegations that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was being deliberately prevented from speaking in the Lok Sabha, contributing to an ongoing parliamentary logjam. The genesis of the row in the Rajya Sabha was Kharge's strong condemnation of the perceived curtailment of freedom of speech for the Leader of the Opposition in the Lower House. Kharge asserted that Parliament comprises both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, and denying the Lok Sabha's Leader of Opposition (Rahul Gandhi) the opportunity to speak on matters of national interest undermined democratic principles. He specifically raised the issue of Rahul Gandhi's attempt to speak on the India-China standoff, citing references to former Army Chief General M.M. Naravane's unpublished memoir. In a stinging jibe, Kharge accused the ruling party of reacting dismissively whenever Rahul Gandhi tried to address issues of national importance, metaphorically stating, 'Aapko khujli uthi hai' (you get itchy), implying that the government felt discomfort or irritation at the prospect of the opposition leader speaking. This remark ignited a fierce response from the Treasury benches. J.P. Nadda, representing the government, strongly objected to Kharge's accusations. He countered by stating that the Modi government was always open to discussion on all issues but accused the Opposition of consistently disrupting parliamentary proceedings. Nadda highlighted that the Prime Minister was present and ready to respond to debates, but the Opposition's continuous protests stalled the House. In a direct retort to Kharge's 'khujli' comment and the broader opposition stance, Nadda advised Kharge not to allow the Congress party to become a 'hostage to an innocent child,' using the Hindi phrase 'abodh balak,' clearly aimed at Rahul Gandhi. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju also intervened, arguing that proceedings of the Lok Sabha cannot be discussed in the Rajya Sabha, a procedural point echoed by Nadda. However, Kharge persisted, emphasizing that the inability of the Lok Sabha's Leader of Opposition to speak was detrimental to democracy and the nation. He also condemned what he termed the 'humiliation' of former Prime Ministers Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi through recent citations from controversial books in parliamentary debates. The confrontation escalated, leading to a walkout by Opposition members from the Rajya Sabha. Mallikarjun Kharge later clarified to the media that the opposition parties collectively decided to walk out because the government had reportedly made up its mind not to allow leaders of the opposition in both houses (himself and Rahul Gandhi) to speak. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also weighed in, slamming Nadda's 'abodh balak' remarks and questioning what the government was 'scared of'—whether it was the 'Epstein files' or potential questions on the India-US trade agreement. The incident underscored the deepening fissures and communication breakdown between the ruling BJP and the Opposition, particularly the Congress, during the ongoing parliamentary session. The logjam, characterized by disruptions and walkouts, continues to impede legislative work and critical debates, raising concerns about the functioning of India's democratic institutions. The repeated inability to conduct smooth parliamentary business highlights a persistent challenge in India's political landscape, especially in the run-up to significant elections.

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