Prove allegations or resign, Congress chief challenges Anurag Thakur

New Delhi: Congress President and Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, slammed BJP MP Anurag Thakur for his accusatory remarks in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday.

Kharge condemned Thakur’s statement, calling it "false and baseless".

He challenged Thakur to substantiate his claims, stating, "Anurag Thakur should prove his allegations. If he can, I will resign. But if he fails to do so, he should resign from the Lok Sabha."

The controversy began when Thakur made allegations of irregularities and mentioned Kharge's name during a discussion on the Waqf Bill in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday.

Kharge responded, "No one has ever made such allegations against me. My life has always been clean. Even in the Assembly, whenever someone tried to accuse me, I received unanimous support. I have never taken even an inch of land from anyone."

He further condemned Thakur's remarks, demanding an apology from him and the House Leader. Kharge concluded, "The BJP cannot intimidate me. Even if they try to wipe me out, I will not be afraid."

Kharge emphasised his decades-long commitment to integrity in public life. "My life is an open book. I have spent nearly 60 years in politics, upholding the highest values. The false allegations made against me yesterday have already spread through the media and social media, damaging my image and reputation. This is unacceptable. As Leader of the Opposition and Congress President, I am compelled to stand up today and condemn these baseless accusations."

He reiterated his challenge: "If Thakur can prove that I or my family own even an inch of land illegally, I will resign. But if he fails, he must step down."

Kharge said, "I am a labourer's son. I started as a leader of labourers, then became District Congress President, and now I am the President of the Congress Party. I have never bowed down to pressure, nor will I now."

The Rajya Sabha Chairman weighed in on the issue, emphasising that inappropriate remarks had been made not only against the Leader of the Opposition but also against high-ranking officials, including the Prime Minister. He urged members to refrain from comments that would compromise the dignity of the House.

(inputs from IANS)