The BJP posted an excerpt of the speech on social media.
New Delhi:
A faux pas by Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge created an uproar among the treasury benches in the Rajya Sabha on Friday and also became a rare instance of the government wholeheartedly agreeing with an Opposition leader's statement.
Speaking in the House of Representatives on the issue of women representation, Mr Kharge made a point about the government's majority in the Lok Sabha when he said:Aapka itna bahumat hai, pehle 330,334 thi, ab to '400 pairs' ho raha hai (You have a majority of 330, 334 seats and the 400 is now exceeded).”
While the Congress chief was likely referring to the BJP's slogan, in which it has set a target of winning over 400 seats in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, the faux pas drew laughter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was present was in the House of Representatives, Union Minister of State. Piyush Goyal, others in the treasury benches, and even Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar.
Amid the laughter, Mr Kharge tried to clarify his statement when Mr Goyal stood up and said, “Today Kharge ji has finally said the truth and nothing but the truth.”
The BJP posted a clip of the speech on X and also made a joke about the Congress president. The caption of the video read: “PM Modi says 'I need new haters, the old ones have become my fans…'”
PM Modi said: “I need new haters, the old ones have become my fans…” pic.twitter.com/dnpc5e0vI9
—BJP (@BJP4India) February 2, 2024
Reacting to Mr Goyal's statement, Mr Dhankhar said: “I think a Leader of the Opposition has never received so much applause, it is a record. Your (Mr Kharge) speech is being praised.”
The Congress President replied, “I know why it is praised. They (the BJP) are blowing their own trumpet and saying they will get 400 or 500 seats… They will not even cross 100 seats. INDIA is strong. “
