A clash between Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MPs on Parliament premises escalated on Wednesday, leaving BJP MP Pratap Chandra Sarangi with minor head injuries. The altercation occurred amid protests over remarks involving Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, which both sides claimed insulted the Indian Constitution.
The confrontation began as members of the INDIA bloc, including Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, staged a protest demanding an apology from Home Minister Amit Shah for allegedly derogatory remarks about Ambedkar. BJP MPs countered with their own demonstration in front of the Makar Dwar entrance, resulting in a tense face-off and subsequent melee.
According to reports, Sarangi’s injuries occurred when an MP, allegedly pushed by Rahul Gandhi, fell on him. BJP leaders claimed Gandhi’s actions were deliberate, with one MP reportedly shouting, “Have you no shame? Look what you’ve done.” In response, Gandhi reportedly retorted, “He pushed me,” prompting BJP members to accuse him of “gundagardi” (bullying).
Sarangi was immediately taken to RML Hospital for treatment. Top BJP leaders, including Union Ministers Piyush Goyal and Prahlad Joshi, visited the injured MP to express their support. The BJP is reportedly planning to file a police complaint over the incident.
Responding to the allegations, Rahul Gandhi told reporters, “BJP MPs were trying to stop me, push me, and threaten me while I was entering Parliament. This is an attack on the Constitution and an insult to Ambedkar’s memory.” He emphasized that jostling would not deter him or his party’s resolve.
The altercation highlights growing tensions between the opposition and the ruling party over key issues, with both sides accusing each other of undermining parliamentary decorum. While BJP leaders have called for an inquiry into Gandhi’s actions, Congress has dismissed the accusations as baseless, asserting that the INDIA bloc was peacefully exercising its right to protest.
The incident also raises questions about parliamentary privilege. As per the Constitution, MPs are protected from legal action for actions taken in the discharge of their duties. However, obstructing or assaulting a member constitutes a breach of privilege and contempt of the House. If found guilty, Gandhi could face serious repercussions, including potential loss of his Parliament membership. The final decision lies with the Speaker of the Lok Sabha.
The situation continues to develop as political leaders weigh in, and both sides prepare for further proceedings in Parliament.
