The Delhi Police, on Thursday, filed an FIR against Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, following a scuffle in Parliament that reportedly left two Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MPs injured. The incident, which has sparked political controversy, is now under investigation.
High Drama Unfolds Outside Parliament Amidst Political Turmoil Over Amit Shah’s Remarks
A heated confrontation outside Parliament on Thursday saw political tensions reach a boiling point, with the Opposition staging an unprecedented protest on the “Makar Dwar” staircase. The demonstration, sparked by Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s remarks on Dr. B.R. Ambedkar in the Rajya Sabha earlier this week, also led to injuries sustained by two BJP MPs, allegedly due to a push from Congress MP Rahul Gandhi.
Amit Shah’s controversial comments have ignited a massive backlash, with the Congress-led Opposition demanding both a public apology and his resignation. Amplifying their dissent, members of the Opposition alliance, ‘INDIA,’ carried placards and climbed the iconic Makar Dwar staircase, chanting slogans against the BJP-led central government.
Tensions escalated when Opposition MPs, including Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, attempted to enter Parliament through the path occupied by protesting BJP MPs, instead of using the alternate route provided.
This standoff quickly turned physical, with BJP MP Pratap Chandra Sarangi alleging that he was injured after being knocked over during the chaos.
“Rahul Gandhi pushed an MP, who then fell on me, causing me to lose balance and fall,” Sarangi claimed while being escorted on a wheelchair with a bandage on his forehead. Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi countered these allegations, asserting, “BJP MPs were blocking the entrance and threatening us. I was merely trying to access the Parliament, which is my right.”
Adding to the drama, Congress shared a video purportedly showing Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge being obstructed by BJP MPs as they attempted to enter. Kharge later penned a letter to the Lok Sabha Speaker, accusing BJP members of physical aggression.
“When we reached Makar Dwar to protest Amit Shah’s offensive remarks about Dr. Ambedkar, I was physically pushed by BJP MPs. This caused me to lose balance and sit on the ground, worsening a pre-existing knee injury from previous surgery,” Kharge wrote.
The political storm appears far from over, with both sides doubling down on their allegations and Parliament proceedings hanging in the balance.
What did Amit Shah say about BR Ambedkar?
In a statement that sparked discussions in the Rajya Sabha, Home Minister Amit Shah criticized Congress leaders, suggesting their repeated invocation of BR Ambedkar’s name had become a mere “fashion.” Shah remarked, “These days, it’s like a trend—Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar. If they had chanted God’s name as often, they would have secured a place in heaven for seven lifetimes.”
While the BJP leader welcomed Congress’s acknowledgment of Ambedkar, he questioned the party’s sincerity, urging it to reflect on its genuine feelings toward the architect of the Indian Constitution.
Rahul Gandhi Accused of Assaulting BJP MPs Amid Parliament Scuffle
In a dramatic turn of events, an FIR was lodged at Parliament Street Police Station under sections 117 (voluntarily causing grievous hurt), 125 (endangering life or personal safety), 131 (use of criminal force), 351 (criminal intimidation), and 3(5) (common intention) of the BNS Act, following a heated altercation within Parliament premises.
Earlier in the day, BJP leaders filed a police complaint against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of “physical assault and incitement” during the clash. The BJP’s delegation, led by MP Hemang Joshi and supported by Anurag Thakur and Bansuri Swaraj, sought Gandhi’s indictment under charges including attempted murder.
Simultaneously, Congress leaders filed their own complaint, alleging misconduct by BJP members against their party president Mallikarjun Kharge. They demanded an FIR for “assault, grievous hurt, and battery.” An officer confirmed to PTI that the complaints were being reviewed.
The situation escalated when BJP alleged that Gandhi physically pushed their MPs, Pratap Sarangi and Mukesh Rajput, resulting in serious injuries. Both MPs are currently being treated at Delhi’s Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital. Union minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan labeled Gandhi’s actions as “indecent, impudent, and goondagardi.”
Rejecting these allegations outright, Rahul Gandhi accused BJP MPs of blocking their way to the House and called for the resignation of Home Minister Amit Shah. “The government is trying to divert attention. The real issue is Adani, who is facing a case in the US, and the government is avoiding a discussion on it,” he stated.
The scuffle occurred amidst protests staged by both NDA and INDIA bloc MPs, further intensifying the political standoff outside the Parliament complex.
BJP MPs Injured in Altercation: Doctors Highlight Health Concerns
Pratap Sarangi and Mukesh Rajput, BJP Members of Parliament, were admitted to Delhi’s Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital after sustaining injuries during a scuffle outside Parliament. According to doctors, both lawmakers suffered head injuries and are also experiencing blood pressure-related complications.
Dr. Ajay Shukla, the hospital’s Medical Superintendent, disclosed that while both MPs are under close observation, Mukesh Rajput’s blood pressure remains critically high. “They have received necessary medication, but Rajput ji’s elevated BP is a concern.
As for Sarangi ji, being an elderly individual with a history of cardiac issues, physical exertion such as pushing and shoving could exacerbate his condition, potentially leading to a heart attack or stroke,” he explained. Medical evaluations are ongoing to manage their health risks effectively.
