BJP, Congress file complaints against each other as Parliament 'assault' row escalates
PTC Web Desk: A heated dispute between the BJP and the Congress erupted outside Parliament on Thursday, intensifying political tensions as both parties filed police complaints accusing each other of physical altercations and misconduct.
How the conflict began?
The confrontation stems from remarks made by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday, referencing Dr BR Ambedkar. These comments drew sharp criticism from Congress leaders, prompting protests by the INDIA alliance outside Parliament on Wednesday and Thursday. Counter-protests by BJP members further escalated the situation. Thursday’s altercations outside Parliament involved claims of physical aggression. BJP MP Pratap Chandra Sarangi alleged that Congress MP Rahul Gandhi pushed him, resulting in injuries. BJP leaders stated that Sarangi and MP Mukesh Rajput were admitted to Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital’s ICU due to head injuries sustained during the scuffle.
Meanwhile, Congress leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, accused BJP MPs of blocking their protest and resorting to physical aggression. The Congress also claimed that BJP members were armed with placards mounted on sticks, which were used to obstruct their peaceful demonstrations.
BJP’s complaint against Rahul Gandhi
A delegation of BJP MPs, led by Union Minister Anurag Thakur, filed a police complaint against Rahul Gandhi at the Parliament Street Police Station. The complaint cited sections of the Indian Penal Code, including 109 (abetment), 117 (abetment of an offense by the public), and 351 (assault).
Speaking to the media, Thakur alleged that Rahul Gandhi’s actions during the protest outside Makar Dwar amounted to incitement and assault. He added, “Rahul Gandhi pushed a senior MP, Pratap Sarangi, causing grievous injuries.” BJP members further accused the Congress of orchestrating the altercation to tarnish their image.
Congress’ counter-complaint and allegations
In response, Congress MPs, including women parliamentarians, filed a counter-complaint at the same police station. Congress MP Pramod Tiwari alleged a conspiracy against the INDIA alliance, emphasising that the incident followed a pattern of disrespect towards Dalit leaders.
Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge accused BJP MPs of lowering Parliament’s dignity. In a letter to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Kharge alleged that BJP MPs physically pushed him, causing him to lose balance and injure his knees.
“This incident reflects the BJP’s animosity towards Babasaheb Ambedkar, the Parliament, and the Constitution. Their actions aimed to suppress the peaceful protest of INDIA alliance MPs,” Kharge wrote.
Demands for Inquiry
Congress leaders have called for an inquiry into the incident. In their letter to Speaker Om Birla, they expressed anguish over the alleged manhandling of Rahul Gandhi and sought accountability for what they termed as a violation of parliamentary privileges.
“We demand an impartial investigation into the events that transpired. This behaviour undermines democratic values and Parliament’s sanctity,” stated the letter.
- With inputs from agencies
