Tensions Rise in Rajya Sabha Over Manusmriti Comments During Anti-Paper Leak Bill Debate

The Rajya Sabha was the scene of intense debate on Thursday as Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge made controversial remarks regarding the Manusmriti while discussing the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026. His comments sparked immediate backlash from members of the ruling party, leading to a heated exchange between the opposition and treasury benches. Kharge criticized the current education policies of the BJP-led government, asserting that access to education had become increasingly difficult for the underprivileged. He accused the government of appointing individuals affiliated with the RSS to key academic positions and claimed that the educational curriculum was being altered to reflect casteist ideologies, referencing the Manusmriti as a source of caste discrimination in education. This assertion prompted strong objections from the ruling party, with members vocally protesting Kharge's statements.

In response to Kharge's allegations, Leader of the House JP Nadda firmly rejected the claims, labeling them as misleading and potentially harmful to the nation’s image. Nadda urged Kharge to substantiate his statements and cautioned against using language that could be deemed unparliamentary. He emphasized the importance of maintaining decorum in discussions and requested that Kharge refrain from speaking out of anger. As tensions escalated, Rajya Sabha Chairman CP Radhakrishnan intervened, ruling that Kharge's comments regarding the Manusmriti would not be included in the official records of the session. This intervention highlighted the contentious nature of the debate and the sensitivity surrounding the topic of caste and education in India.