Mallikarjun Kharge, the leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, on Wednesday raised the recurrent incidents of hate speeches being delivered against minorities and demanded strict action.

The Congress veteran wanted suspension of listed business for discussion of the matter, but the request was rejected by Upper House Chairman M. Venkaiah Naidu.

“I had given notice under Rule 267 regarding the rising instances of hate speeches against minorities in the country and also the harassment meted out to journalists, particularly from the Hindustan Gazette, Newslaundry, The Quint, Article 14, etc. This has been going on and Swamijis are making instigative speeches, right from Haridwar to Delhi,” Kharge said during Zero Hour.

Hate speeches were delivered and journalists assaulted during a “Hindu Mahapanchayat” at Delhi’s Burari grounds earlier this week.

Among those assaulted were three Muslim journalists who were allegedly attacked when groups of participants came to know about their religious identity.

Yati Narasinghanand, head priest of the Dasna Devi temple, has been booked in connection with the unauthorised event and also on the charge of making incendiary comments. He had in January been arrested for organising in Haridwar a “Dharma Sansad” in which calls for genocide against Muslims had been issued.

Chairman Naidu said hate speeches targeting any community was wrong. He, however, said: “Raising it in the House and having a discussion on who spoke what is not going to solve the problem.”

Kharge demanded that action must be taken.