FM, Kharge spar over expunged Parl speech

Congress president and Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday demanded restoration of a “substantial portion” of his February 4 speech during the Motion of Thanks on the President's address, drawing sharp reaction from Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman who said the chair’s decision cannot be questioned.

- Smriti Kak Ramachandran

Speaking in the Rajya Sabha during Zero Hour, Kharge said parts of his speech, criticising certain policies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, were either expunged or removed without proper justification. Pointing out that it was a violation of the freedom of expression guaranteed to Members of Parliament under Article 105(1) of the Constitution, he said Rajya Sabha chairman CP Radhakrishnan should conside