Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday lashed out at BJP MP Anurag Thakur, accusing him of hurling “wild allegations” against him.
The Congress president dared Thakur to prove his allegations or resign from the MP post.
"After almost 60 years in politics, I do not deserve this. Yesterday, completely false and baseless charges were hurled at me in the Lok Sabha by Anurag Thakur. When he was challenged by my colleagues, he was compelled to withdraw his defamatory remarks," said Kharge.
Thakur made the remarks on Wednesday during a discussion on the Waqf Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha. Following an uproar, his remarks have been expunged from the records.
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Kharge, while speaking in the upper house on Thursday, however said the damage had already been done.
“All the media (outlets) have carried (it). Social media is also spreading it. His statements damaging my image and reputation has already been picked up by the social and other media," he said.
Demanding an apology from Thakur, Kharge said he has no right to continue as an MP if he cannot prove his allegations.
"I expect an apology from the Leader of House, that is the very least the ruling party can and must do. If Thakur cannot prove his allegation, he has no right to be in Parliament, he should resign ... And if it is proved, I will resign," said the Congress chief.
Continuing his tirade, Kharge said hi is the son of a labourer and has worked hard to rise from the post of Congress' block committee president to become the president of the party.
"I am such a person...If these BJP people want to intimidate me and make me bow down, then let me remind them that I will break but will never bow down," he said.
