Congress MP Mallikarjun Kharge and BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi clashed in the Rajya Sabha on July 30, 2026 [1], during a debate on the Anti-Leak Bill.
The confrontation highlights a deepening ideological divide regarding the influence of ancient texts on modern Indian education and social hierarchy. The debate shifted from the specifics of the legislation to a broader conflict over caste-based discrimination.
Kharge, who serves as the Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, raised the issue of the Manusmriti, an ancient legal text. He said the "immoral teachings of Manusmriti" are being used to promote casteism in education [2], [3]. Kharge argued that the text's inclusion or influence in the education syllabus could foster discrimination against marginalized communities [1], [2].
Members of the BJP responded by rejecting these assertions. A BJP spokesperson said Kharge is "stoking unrest" [3]. Sudhanshu Trivedi and other BJP members defended their position, and accused the Congress leader of using the debate to incite social tension rather than focusing on the Anti-Leak Bill [1], [2].
The exchange occurred as the upper house deliberated on the Anti-Leak Bill, which is designed to prevent the leakage of examination papers. While the bill's primary purpose is administrative and legal, the session became a forum for the Congress party to challenge the BJP's cultural and educational policies [1].
Kharge said, "Manusmriti promotes casteism in education" [3]. The BJP said that such claims were unfounded and intended to create political instability within the house [1], [2].
“"Manusmriti promotes casteism in education."”
This clash demonstrates how legislative debates in India often pivot from technical policy—such as the Anti-Leak Bill—to fundamental identity politics. By invoking the Manusmriti, the Congress party is attempting to frame the BJP as an architect of social regression, while the BJP positions itself as a defender of stability against what it describes as opportunistic agitation.
