The recent scuffle between Rahul Gandhi in Parliament has sparked off a major political row. It is reported to have taken place when the Treasury and Opposition benches held parallel protests outside Parliament near the Makar Dwar entrance, protesting over some national issues during the debate on governance and statements of Home Minister Amit Shah.
BJP leaders alleged that Rahul Gandhi pushed BJP MP Mukesh Rajput while in protest, which caused Rajput to lose his balance and fall. Rajput’s fall is said to have injured another BJP MP, Pratap Sarangi, as Rajput fell on him. The two MPs suffered head injuries. According to reports, Sarangi, 69 years of age, was hospitalized like Rajput. In fact, after the incident, BJP leaders, former Union Minister Anurag Thakur, Bansuri Swaraj, and Hemang Joshi had filed a formal complaint against the event. The FIR against Gandhi includes some of the very serious charges under the Bhartiya Nyaya Samhita, which incorporates voluntarily causing grievous hurt, endangering life, using criminal force, and criminal intimidation. Anurag Thakur has even accused Gandhi of attempted murder.
Congress, rejecting the allegations, said this incident has been blown way out of proportion and politicised with an intent to draw attention away from key issues that the Opposition has been raising. Gandhi claims this is without substance and simply aims to discredit him as Leader of the Opposition. Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge also alleged that he was physically pushed by the BJP MPs during the altercations and suffered bruises on his legs, following which he filed a counter-complaint.
Adding fuel to the fire, BJP MP Phangnon Konyak alleged that Gandhi was shouting at her during the protest. She termed his behaviour inappropriate and unbefitting for the position. The Congress dismissed the BJP’s claims as diversionary tactics and said it will continue to raise critical issues in Parliament. The altercation has heated up the already charged political atmosphere and gained widespread attention and debate all over the nation.