New Delhi | December 20, 2024
Tensions flared between ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) MPs and the Opposition INDIA bloc outside Parliament on Thursday over alleged remarks insulting Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. A heated confrontation escalated into physical clashes, leaving two BJP MPs injured and prompting mutual police complaints.
The BJP alleged that Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, used force to enter Parliament, injuring BJP MPs Pratap Chandra Sarangi and Mukesh Rajput in the process. Gandhi and other Congress leaders countered, accusing BJP members of “manhandling” and blocking Opposition MPs from entering the building.
FIR against Rahul Gandhi : Protests Turn Violent
The day began with parallel protests outside the Parliament. NDA MPs rallied against the Congress for its historical treatment of Ambedkar, while INDIA bloc members demonstrated against recent remarks by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who had criticized what he termed the “fashion” of invoking Ambedkar’s name.
The two groups clashed at the Parliament’s Makar Dwar entrance, leading to jostling. BJP MP Sarangi, 69, reportedly sustained a head injury requiring stitches, while Rajput suffered minor injuries. Both were hospitalized at Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital.
FIRs and Counter-Complaints
Delhi Police registered an FIR against Rahul Gandhi, citing charges of “causing grievous hurt, endangering life, and using criminal force.” The complaint alleged Gandhi pushed his way through the protest, injuring BJP MPs.
In response, Congress leaders lodged a counter-complaint, accusing BJP members of assaulting and obstructing their entry into Parliament. Rahul Gandhi, addressing reporters, alleged, “BJP MPs tried to block me, pushed me, and threatened me as I attempted to enter Parliament. This is a blatant distraction from serious issues.”
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge demanded an inquiry into what he described as an “attack” on Opposition members. Kharge claimed he was pushed by BJP MPs, forcing him to sit on the ground and aggravating his existing knee injury.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju condemned the incident, accusing Gandhi of “showing physical aggression” unbecoming of a parliamentarian. “Parliament is not a wrestling ring,” Rijiju said, adding that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had personally inquired about the injured BJP MPs.
BJP MP Nishikant Dubey also criticized Gandhi, calling his actions “rowdy behaviour.” Sarangi, speaking to reporters, claimed, “Rahul Gandhi pushed an MP, who fell on me, causing my injury.”
INDIA bloc leaders rallied behind Gandhi, describing the BJP’s allegations as a diversionary tactic. DMK leader T.R. Baalu and TMC’s Sougata Ray submitted a letter to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, accusing BJP MPs of “assaulting” Gandhi and undermining his dignity as Leader of the Opposition.
Parallel Agendas
The standoff underscored the deepening rift between the two camps. While the BJP emphasized Ambedkar’s contributions and accused the Congress of historical negligence, the Opposition sought to highlight Shah’s contentious remarks and alleged government inaction on other critical issues, including corporate controversies.
Gandhi, at a press conference later, said, “The BJP is using these tactics to distract from Home Minister Amit Shah’s insulting remarks on Ambedkar and the indictment of industrialist Gautam Adani by a U.S. court.”
Disrupted Parliament Proceedings
The fracas spilled over into the Winter Session, with both Houses witnessing repeated adjournments. Opposition MPs chanted “Jai Bhim” slogans in the Lok Sabha, while BJP MPs accused Gandhi of “resorting to violence.”
BJP MP Phangnon Konyak, representing Nagaland, added another layer to the controversy, claiming she felt “uncomfortable” as Gandhi approached her during the clash.
A Call for Resolution
The incident, which began as a protest over remarks on Ambedkar, has now escalated into a full-blown political crisis. Both sides demand inquiries and action, with the BJP threatening further legal measures and the Congress accusing the ruling party of stifling dissent.
As Parliament heads into its final days of the Winter Session, the fallout from this incident is expected to dominate proceedings, raising questions about decorum and the state of political discourse in India.
“Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has issued strict instructions that no political party, Member of Parliament or groups of members will hold any dharna and demonstration at building gates of Parliament House,” parliament sources said.
