A tense moment unfolded in the Rajya Sabha on Monday as Leader of the House and Union Minister JP Nadda issued an apology to Congress Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge, following a fiery verbal exchange over Kharge's remarks targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The confrontation erupted after Kharge delivered a scathing critique of the government and PM Modi, raising several contentious issues. Reacting sharply, Nadda launched into a strong rebuttal, accusing Kharge of crossing the line of parliamentary decorum.

"He (Mallikarjun Kharge) is a very senior leader, but the way in which he commented on the PM... I can understand his pain. He (PM Modi) has been there for 11 years now. He happens to be the most popular leader in the world," Nadda said. "We all should take pride in this, but since you are so indulged in your party's activities, the nation's cause becomes negligible for you, and after losing your 'mental balance', you utter unparliamentary words for PM Modi."

The comment, especially the phrase "losing your mental balance", triggered an immediate uproar from Opposition benches. A visibly upset Kharge stood up and demanded an apology.

"There are a few leaders in this House for whom I have immense respect. Nadda ji is one of them. Rajnath ji and he are ministers who speak without losing their balance. He is telling me today — this is a matter of shame. He should apologise; I am not going to leave this alone," Kharge said, refusing to let the matter slide.

Acknowledging the seriousness of the objection, Nadda later offered an apology to ease tensions.

"We respect the LoP. I withdraw my words. I apologise if you are hurt," Nadda said in the House. "But you, too, were led astray by emotions. You went so astray that you could not be mindful of even the dignity of the PM; that is sad."