Opposition demands apology from PM Modi over Anurag’s caste remarks on Rahul Gandhi

Congress MP Charanjit Singh Channi moved a Privilege Motion against the Prime Minister for sharing Thakur’s remarks on social media, which included expunged portions of Thakur’s speech.

| Updated: 31 July, 2024 9:14 pm IST

NEW DELHI: Following BJP MP and former Union minister Anurag Thakur’s remarks on Rahul Gandhi’s caste, the Opposition in the Lok Sabha demanded an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Congress MP Charanjit Singh Channi moved a Privilege Motion against the Prime Minister for sharing Thakur’s remarks on social media, which included expunged portions of Thakur’s speech.

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In his complaint, Channi highlighted that “many objectionable remarks” made by Thakur were expunged from the records by Congress MP Jagdambika Pal, who was presiding over the proceedings. Despite this, the Prime Minister posted the entire speech on X (formerly Twitter), describing it as a “must hear” and a “perfect mix of facts and humour, exposing the dirty politics of the INDI Alliance.”

Congress leaders accused the Prime Minister of encouraging a “serious breach of parliamentary privilege.” Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh described Thakur’s speech as a “highly abusive and unconstitutional tirade.”

During the budget discussion, Thakur made a veiled reference to Rahul Gandhi’s caste, stating, “The one whose caste is not known is talking about the census.” Rahul Gandhi responded, asserting, “You can insult me as much as you want, but you should not forget that we will get the caste census bill passed in Parliament.”

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The Lok Sabha saw uproarious scenes on Wednesday as opposition members, including those from the Congress, DMK, Samajwadi Party, and Shiv Sena (UBT), demanded an apology from Thakur and reiterated their call for a caste census. Speaker Om Birla blamed the Opposition for “strategically” obstructing the House’s business, despite being allowed to raise their issues.

Speaking to the media, Congress deputy leader Gaurav Gogoi said, “A BJP member mocked our demand for a caste census in the House, and that is why the Opposition held protests inside the House.”

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