New Delhi [India], December 19: A new controversy erupted in Parliament on Thursday, as BJP leader Amit Malviya accused Congress of resorting to “physical assault” following allegations that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi “pushed” protesting NDA MPs. Malviya specifically pointed to BJP MP Pratap Sarangi, who was injured after a scuffle allegedly involving Gandhi.
“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 on X.
The controversy unfolded after BJP MP Pratap Chandra Sarangi claimed that he was hurt when another MP fell on him following a push by Rahul Gandhi. Sarangi alleged that he was standing near the stairs when an MP was pushed by Gandhi and fell on him, causing a head injury. Sarangi was subsequently rushed to the hospital.
In response, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi defended his actions, saying that he was trying to enter Parliament when BJP MPs, who were protesting near the entrance, attempted to stop and push him. Gandhi also claimed that Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge was also pushed during the incident.
“This might be on your camera. I was trying to go inside through the Parliament entrance, but BJP MPs were trying to stop me, push me, and threaten me. This happened, and yes, Mallikarjun Kharge was also pushed. But we do not get affected by jostling. This is the entrance, and we have the right to go in,” Gandhi said, adding that the central issue was BJP’s attack on the Constitution and the insult to Ambedkar’s legacy.
Meanwhile, Sarangi and BJP MP Mukesh Rajput, who were injured in the scuffle, were admitted to the Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital for treatment. BJP leaders are considering legal action against Congress leaders in connection with the incident.
On Thursday morning, both the ruling BJP and opposition INDIA Bloc MPs staged parallel protests in Parliament. BJP MPs were protesting against Congress for “insulting” Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. Holding banners reading “Ambedkar showed us the path, Congress misled,” they chanted, “Babasaheb Ambedkar ji ka apmaan nahi chalega” (Insult to Babasaheb Ambedkar ji will not be tolerated).
Union Minister Giriraj Singh also targeted the Gandhi family, saying they had received the Bharat Ratna but failed to honor Ambedkar with the same recognition.
At the same time, INDIA Bloc MPs led by Rahul Gandhi held their own protest, demanding the resignation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah over his controversial remarks on Ambedkar. Many MPs, including Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and others, wore blue attire as a symbol of protest.
The issue stemmed from Shah’s remarks about Ambedkar during a speech in the Rajya Sabha, which sparked protests from the opposition. Congress called for Shah’s resignation, while BJP leaders launched counterattacks. The situation remains tense as both sides continue to accuse each other in the ongoing controversy.