Op Sindoor debate: Nadda vs Kharge sparks RS uproar; BJP chief withdraws remark, apologises

NEW DELHI: The Rajya Sabha plunged into chaos during the debate on Operation Sindoor and the Pahalgam terror attack when leader of the House JP Nadda clashed bitterly with the leader of the opposition, Mallikarjun Kharge.

Tensions erupted moments after Kharge concluded a fiery hour-long speech, sharply criticising Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Responding to Kharge’s attack, Nadda accused the Congress veteran of having "lost his mental balance", a remark that triggered a storm of protest from the opposition benches, reported news agency PTI.

The jibe was immediately condemned, with Kharge demanding a retraction and calling it “a matter of shame.”

"JP Nadda and Rajnath Singh are amongst the few Ministers in the House for whom I have immense respect as they say things without losing their 'balance'. But I'll not spare them if he doesn't apologise," said Mallikarjun Kharge.

Despite initial resistance, Nadda eventually withdrew his words and offered an apology.

"I have already taken back my words, but if they have hurt his (Kharge's) feelings, I apologise for the same. However, Kharge did cross his limits and made certain remarks against the prime minister in passion and out of emotion, which need to be expunged," Nadda said.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the most popular leader in the world and not just the BJP takes pride in it, the entire nation does," Nadda said, adding that Kharge has not taken care of the prime minister's stature and made the remarks, which were objectionable.

"He has long experience. The choice of words used during his speech did not reflect his stature. The kind of words used by him were below his stature. Therefore, I urge you to expunge those words," Nadda urged the chair.