BJP accuses Rahul Gandhi of physical assault, while Congress claims BJP MPs obstructed and threatened Gandhi at Parliament entrance.
New Delhi, December 19: A new controversy erupted in Parliament after BJP MP Pratap Chandra Sarangi alleged he was injured when Congress leader Rahul Gandhi allegedly pushed another MP, causing them to fall on Sarangi. The incident has escalated into a heated exchange of accusations between the BJP and Congress, further intensifying tensions in Parliament.
BJP’s Allegations
BJP leader Amit Malviya accused Rahul Gandhi of “physical assault” and shared the incident on X (formerly Twitter).
“Odisha BJP MP Pratap Sarangi sustained injuries when Rahul Gandhi pushed another MP, causing him to fall on Sarangi. The sheer nonchalance and arrogance of Gandhi’s scion is for all to see. Congress leadership is now resorting to physical assaults,” Malviya wrote.
Sarangi claimed the incident occurred while he was standing on the stairs in Parliament. “Rahul Gandhi pushed a member of Parliament who fell on me, causing me to fall and sustain injuries on my head,” Sarangi told reporters. He was later rushed to Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital for treatment.
Congress’ Counterclaims
In response, Rahul Gandhi accused BJP MPs of blocking his way and threatening him when he tried to enter Parliament. He alleged that Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge was also pushed during the altercation.
“This might be on your camera. I was trying to enter Parliament, but BJP MPs were trying to stop me, push me, and threaten me. Yes, they also pushed Kharge ji. But we don’t get affected by this jostling; we have the right to go in,” Rahul Gandhi said.
Gandhi emphasized that the central issue remains the BJP’s alleged attack on the Constitution and insult to Babasaheb Ambedkar’s memory.
Protests and Political Reactions
The incident coincided with protests from both the BJP and the Opposition:
- BJP MPs demonstrated against the Congress for allegedly “insulting” Babasaheb Ambedkar, chanting slogans like “Ambedkar ji ka apmaan nahi chalega (Insult to Ambedkar ji will not be tolerated)” and criticizing the Gandhi family for failing to honor Ambedkar appropriately.
- INDIA Bloc MPs, led by Rahul Gandhi, protested in blue attire—a symbolic gesture to honor Ambedkar—and demanded the resignation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah over his remarks on Ambedkar.
Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh criticized the Gandhi family for allegedly sidelining Ambedkar historically, stating, “They received Bharat Ratnas but didn’t give one to Dr. Ambedkar.”
Parliament Adjourned Amid Chaos
The clash led to repeated adjournments in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha on Wednesday and Thursday. The incident has snowballed into a larger political controversy, with Congress demanding the resignations of Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while the BJP has accused Congress of creating unnecessary disruptions.
