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During the debate on the Anti-Paper Leak Bill in the Rajya Sabha, a heated exchange took place over Congress President and Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge’s remarks regarding the Manusmriti. Following the escalation of the controversy, the Chairman directed that his remarks be expunged from the record of proceedings.

During the debate, Kharge alleged that passages from the Manusmriti were being included in the new curriculum. The Speaker immediately intervened, asking what connection the Manusmriti had with the paper leak bill. Following this, members of the ruling party also strongly objected to this statement.

Leader of the House and Union Minister JP Nadda said Kharge’s statement was not based on facts and that such allegations could create unnecessary confusion and unrest in society. He said that if such a claim is being made, the authentic text of the Manusmriti should be presented.

BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi also spoke on the issue, citing various historical and constitutional references. Citing works by former judge Sir William Jones and Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, he argued that authentic sources are essential before making any claims.

Congress MP Pramod Tiwari responded, stating that the book being cited was published during the BJP’s rule and is not banned. He added that if it contains objectionable material, the government is also responsible. A heated debate ensued between the two sides.

Amid the uproar, the Speaker announced that Mallikarjun Kharge’s remarks on Manusmriti would be expunged from the proceedings of the House.

In the same discussion, Union Minister Jitendra Singh, while presenting the government’s stand on the system of recruitment examinations, said that the major recruitment agencies of the country include UPSC, Staff Selection Commission (SSC), Railway Recruitment Board (RRB), Institute of Banking Personnel and National Testing Agency (NTA) for admission to higher education.

He said the idea of ​​creating a national-level testing agency was first mooted in 1992 and was later recommended by committees formed during the UPA government. Jitendra Singh said the NDA government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, implemented that long-pending proposal and provided the country with a national testing agency.