Parts of Manusmriti now part of 'curriculum', says Mallikarjun Kharge

Rajya Sabha LoP Mallikarjun Kharge read out a Hindi translation of portions from Manusmriti during the debate on the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, alleging parts of the text have become part of the curriculum under the BJP government.

Leader of the House J P Nadda challenged Kharge to produce the original manuscript for authentication.

Kharge quoted alleged verses from Manusmriti that prescribe severe punishments for Shudras who listen to, recite, or retain the Vedas.

BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi countered Kharge's claims by citing B R Ambedkar's writings to argue that untouchability did not exist in the era of Manu.

The exchange occurred in Rajya Sabha on Thursday, with chairperson C P Radhakrishnan questioning the relevance of Manusmriti to the bill.