NewDelhi: Tensions swirled in the Indian Parliament on Thursday as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress took aim at one another over allegations their members disrespected Dr. B. R. Ambedkar. The physical scuffle intensified, and injured BJP MPs Pratap Sarangi and Mukesh Rajput were then taken to the hospital.
Both parties first staged protests in the Parliament complex before the incident. Rahul Gandhi led it against Home Minister Amit Shah, who triggered controversy by making comments in the Rajya Sabha against Ambedkar in an attack on the BJP, which has accused Congress of insulting Ambedkar. The scuffle happened when MPs from both sides got to have it out on the street during the protests.
MP Rahul Gandhi is accused of pushing fellow MP, who then fell and hit Sarangi, causing injuries. A BJP video accused Gandhi of inciting violence with the caption: ‘The hateful act of Rahul Gandhi, who runs a shop of love.’
The incident was condemned by Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, who said, ‘Today NDA MPs were protesting at the main gate of the Parliament. Forcing their way in, displaying physical aggression is unacceptable, said Rahul Gandhi and his MPs. Physical strength is not a platform for parliament. Rahul Gandhi forced our MPs Pratap Sarangi and Mukesh Rajput. I denounce this act and question Rahul Gandhi: If everyone starts to fight their strength, how will a Parliament work? This is the temple of democracy… ‘We’ve got seriously injured MPs who are in the process of being treated.’
The incident was also criticised by Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who described it as a ‘black day in parliamentary history.’ “The dignity of democracy has been shattered, he added. None of the other examples of such hooliganism by Rahul Gandhi or the Congress party come to mind. Why are they blowing their top in Parliament if they lost in Haryana and Maharashtra? Rahul Gandhi and Congress members should be trained in democratic practice through a workshop. I am saddened… One after another has exposed the Congress, and now it is using literal hooliganism. We condemn this behaviour.”
In response, the BJP accused Rahul Gandhi of making up the allegations to create ‘distortion’ and that ruling party members attempted to block and threaten opposition MPs from entering the Parliament building. “BJP MPs were trying to stop, push, and threaten to enter Parliament, which I was trying to do.” This is our right to go into Parliament. Respecting the Constitution and Babasaheb’s memories is a main problem, Gandhi said.
Medical Superintendent of RML Hospital Dr. Ajay Shukla assured that ‘we have both MPs and are trying to stabilise both of them.’ Treatment began, and tests will be conducted. The two both have head injuries and are in the ICU. But Pratap Sarangi had aggressive bleeding and a deep wound, which has required several stitches, among other bruises. Mukesh Rajput is now awake but is suffering from dizziness, the deputy commissioner said. His blood pressure was elevated.’
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