‘Cut Shudra’s Tongue If...’: Kharge Quotes ‘Translated Manusmriti’ In RS; Sudhanshu, Nadda Hit Back

A heated exchange erupted in the Rajya Sabha during the debate on the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, after Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge referred to Manusmriti while criticising the Centre’s education policies. Kharge alleged that education had become less accessible to the poor, accused the government of filling university posts with RSS-linked individuals, and claimed Manusmriti promoted caste discrimination in education. His remarks triggered strong protests from the Treasury benches. Leader of the House JP Nadda rejected the allegations, urged Kharge to substantiate his claims, and objected to the language used. Amid repeated disruptions, Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan ordered that the remarks on Manusmriti be expunged from the official record.