Heated exchanges were witnessed in the Rajya Sabha after Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge raised the issue of Rahul Gandhi allegedly not being allowed to speak in the Lok Sabha. Kharge argued that the matter concerns democratic principles and the national interest, stressing that Parliament consists of two constitutional chambers — the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha — and issues affecting democracy cannot be ignored in either House. Objecting strongly, BJP President and Rajya Sabha Leader JP Nadda stated that the proceedings of the Lok Sabha cannot be discussed in the Rajya Sabha, citing multiple rulings given earlier by the Chair and previous presiding officers. Nadda urged opposition parties to instruct their members to raise discussions within the Lok Sabha itself and allow the Rajya Sabha to function peacefully and without disruption. Amid the debate, additional issues were attempted to be raised, including demands for a separate central ministry for the welfare and development of Other Backward Classes (OBCs), who constitute a significant portion of the population. The argument highlighted that while ministries exist for SCs, STs, minorities, women, fisheries, skill development, and cooperatives, no exclusive ministry exists for OBC welfare at the central level. The developments underline growing friction between the ruling party and the opposition, with parliamentary functioning increasingly affected by procedural disputes and political confrontation.


