Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday took exception to Anurag Thakur for hurling "wild allegations" at him, and dared the BJP MP to prove the charges or else resign.
Referring to certain remarks made by Thakur in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday during the discussion on the Waqf Bill, the Congress president said the remarks have damaged his reputation. Thakur’s remarks have been expunged from the records. Several Opposition parties also staged a walkout from the House on the issue.
Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar observed that constitutionally highly positioned persons have been subjected to insinuations with no remorse. He emphasised that parties have to take responsibility for how to rectify and save their reputations
Raising the issue during the morning session in the Rajya Sabha, Kharge said his life has always been an open book, and he has always upheld the highest values in public life.
"After almost 60 years in politics, I do not deserve this. Yesterday, completely false and baseless charges were hurled at me in the Lok Sabha by Anurag Thakur. When he was challenged by my colleagues, he was compelled to withdraw his defamatory remarks," he said.
"But the damage has been done. All the media (outlets) have carried (it). Social media is also spreading it. His statements damaging my image and reputation have already been picked up by the social and other media," he said.
A visibly upset Kharge further said as the LoP in the Rajya Sabha and as the president of the Indian National Congress, he is forced to stand up in the House and condemn Thakur’s "wild allegations".
"I expect an apology from the Leader of House, that is the very least the ruling party can and must do. If Thakur cannot prove his allegation, he has no right to be in Parliament, he should resign ... And if it is proved, I will resign," Kharge said.
The senior Congress leader also challenged the BJP MP to prove that he or his children have occupied even an inch of Waqf land. He further said he is a son of a labourer and has worked hard to rise to become the president of the Congress.
