Tensions flared in the Lok Sabha on February 6 as a war of words erupted over a remark made by DMK leader T.R. Baalu against Union Minister L. Murugan. The incident occurred during a discussion on flood relief in Tamil Nadu, with Mr. Baalu’s remark drawing sharp criticism from BJP MPs, who demanded an apology for what they perceived as an insult to a Dalit.
Despite Speaker Om Birla expunging the word from the records, Mr. Baalu refused to apologize, prompting DMK members along with Congress and Left MPs to stage a walkout. The confrontation unfolded after Mr. Murugan deemed Mr. Baalu’s question as irrelevant, leading to the contentious comment.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi and other BJP leaders protested vehemently against the remark, emphasizing Mr. Murugan’s Dalit identity and its perceived insult. Despite repeated demands for an apology, Mr. Baalu stood his ground, prompting the speaker to intervene and expunge the remark from the records.