New Delhi, India –: Congress MP Pramod Tiwari criticized the BJP following a scuffle that erupted at Parliament on Thursday, accusing the ruling alliance of orchestrating a “thought-out conspiracy” to hinder opposition MPs from protesting peacefully.
Tiwari alleged that BJP MPs deliberately blocked the Makar Dwar entrance to Parliament, preventing the opposition from entering. He described the incident as a calculated move to undermine the democratic rights of the opposition.
Speaking to reporters at Parliament Street, Tiwari highlighted the series of events, saying, “We announced our plan to march peacefully from Ambedkar Ji’s statue to Makar Dwar and then enter Parliament. However, BJP MPs blocked the entrance and stopped us. Who authorized them to obstruct our entry?”
He criticized the BJP for disrespecting the legacy of BR Ambedkar and questioned the ruling party’s authority. “We were showing banners, not carrying sticks. The opposition has the right to protest,” Tiwari said.
Kharge Injured in Scuffle
Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge reportedly sustained a knee injury during the altercation. Congress MP Mukul Wasnik accused BJP MPs of blocking Kharge’s path and causing him physical harm. “Kharge Ji fell and got injured because of BJP MPs’ actions,” Wasnik stated.
Wasnik also condemned remarks made by Home Minister Amit Shah in the Rajya Sabha, accusing the BJP of insulting BR Ambedkar. “All opposition MPs gathered peacefully at Ambedkar Ji’s statue before marching to Makar Dwar. BJP MPs deliberately obstructed our way,” Wasnik added.
“Democracy Murdered,” Says Tiwari
Tiwari likened the BJP’s actions to a “terrorist attack” on Parliament. “Today, BJP has murdered democracy. They came with placards and blocked the gate, stopping us from fulfilling our duties. During the commotion, Kharge Ji was pushed and injured. It’s the first time in history the ruling side has protested and prevented the opposition from entering Parliament,” Tiwari claimed.
BJP Alleges Assault by Rahul Gandhi
In response, BJP MP Pratap Chandra Sarangi accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of pushing another MP, causing a chain reaction that led to Sarangi sustaining a head injury. “Rahul Gandhi pushed an MP who then fell on me,” Sarangi told reporters.
Sarangi and another BJP MP, both injured in the incident, were admitted to Delhi’s Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital and are currently in the ICU, according to Medical Superintendent Ajay Shukla.
Outrage and Protests
The scuffle has sparked outrage, with both the NDA and INDIA bloc staging protests in Parliament premises. While Congress accuses the BJP of stifling democracy, the BJP blames opposition leaders for the chaotic scenes.
The incident underscores growing tensions between the ruling alliance and opposition, raising questions about the state of parliamentary democracy in India.