New Delhi: Protests and counter-protests outside Parliament escalated into a heated exchange between the BJP and Congress on Thursday. The confrontation resulted in injury claims from both sides, sparking controversy and calls for action, including a police complaint against Congress MP Rahul Gandhi.
The clash erupted following Home Minister Amit Shah’s controversial remark about Dr. BR Ambedkar, leading to allegations of physical altercations and parliamentary disruptions.
Injury Claims: BJP MPs vs Rahul Gandhi
Two BJP MPs – Pratap Sarangi and Mukesh Rajput – were allegedly injured during the altercation. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju accused Rahul Gandhi of physically assaulting his colleagues. He sarcastically questioned Gandhi’s use of martial arts skills, saying, “Parliament is not a wrestling arena.”
Mr. Rijiju demanded an apology from Gandhi, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi reportedly spoke with the injured MPs.
Rahul Gandhi’s Response
Countering the BJP’s accusations, Rahul Gandhi claimed that BJP MPs blocked his entry into Parliament and shoved him and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge.
“I was trying to enter Parliament, but BJP MPs pushed me and threatened me. This might be on your cameras,” Gandhi stated. He also mentioned Kharge was targeted during the scuffle.
Pratap Sarangi’s Allegations
Pratap Sarangi, one of the injured MPs, alleged that he fell and hit his head after an unidentified person was pushed onto him by Rahul Gandhi. Speaking from a wheelchair, Sarangi detailed the incident, saying, “Rahul Gandhi pushed an MP, who fell on me, causing my injury.”
Footage later showed Sarangi being transported to the hospital via ambulance.
Amit Shah’s Ambedkar Remark and Fallout
The turmoil was fueled by Amit Shah’s recent comment during a debate on the Constitution: “It has become the fashion to say ‘Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar…’” The opposition, including Congress and Samajwadi Party, condemned the remark and demanded Shah’s resignation.
Mallikarjun Kharge criticized PM Modi, urging him to remove Shah if he respects Ambedkar. In response, Shah defended his statement, accusing Congress of distorting facts.
Prime Minister’s Defence of Amit Shah
Prime Minister Modi came out strongly in support of Amit Shah, accusing Congress of spreading “malicious lies” and attempting to erase Ambedkar’s legacy. On X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi declared, “Congress and its ecosystem have insulted Dr. Ambedkar for years.”