A big row erupted in the Parliament today as the ruling BJP demanded an apology from the Congress for the remarks made by its leader Mallikarjun Kharge.

Mr. Kharge said this yesterday while asserting that the BJP has not lost anyone in independence even though the Congress has sacked many martyrs. The Congress won civil liberties and its leaders, including Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, sacrificed their lives, Mr Kharge told Alwar in Rajasthan.

“Even your dog at home died for the country? But they claim to be nationals and if we say anything we are called deshdrohi (anti-nationals),” said a Congress spokesperson.

The BJP called for an early apology in Parliament. "Mallikarjun Kharge should apologize for using abusive language in Alwar," Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal told the Rajya Sabha.

As the request sparked an uproar in the House, Deputy Speaker and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar said the matter was raised outside Parliament. "The 135 million people of the country are watching us, it is possible that someone took it and said something outside... You are not children," he said.

Mr Kharge doubled down and said: 'Those who fought for the freedom of the country - are you apologizing to them?'