By – Rohit Dwivedi
A violent altercation broke out between MPs of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress in the premises of Parliament today. The clash occurred near the Makar Gate during protests over the issue of Baba Saheb Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. Both parties were demonstrating in the Parliament complex, with Congress protesting over comments made by Home Minister Amit Shah about Dr. Ambedkar, while BJP countered by accusing Congress of spreading falsehoods.
During the protest, BJP MPs Pratap Sarangi and Mukesh Rajput were injured in the scuffle. Sarangi sustained a head injury and required stitches, while Rajput fell unconscious and had to be rushed to the ICU of Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital. Doctors at the hospital have reported that both MPs are stable, though Rajput’s condition remains critical.
Sarangi, while being treated, claimed that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was responsible for the incident. He alleged that Rahul pushed one of the Congress MPs, who fell on him, causing him to lose his balance and fall. Sarangi’s injury, described as a severe head wound with significant bleeding, required immediate medical attention.
The clash also saw altercations involving senior Congress leaders like Mallikarjun Kharge and Priyanka Gandhi, who were reportedly pushed during the incident. Rahul Gandhi responded to the allegations, acknowledging that the scuffle had taken place. He said, “Yes, it happened. BJP MPs tried to block our entry, pushing and threatening us. I was trying to enter the Parliament, and they tried to prevent us.”
The incident occurred in the midst of protests related to the ongoing political dispute between the BJP and Congress over Dr. Ambedkar’s legacy and the current government’s approach to his ideals. Congress had organized a march in Parliament premises in response to Amit Shah’s remarks, while the BJP accused Congress of indulging in “politics of lies.”
Following the incident, BJP leaders, including Union Ministers Prahlad Joshi, Arjun Ram Meghwal, and Piyush Goyal, visited the hospital to check on Sarangi’s condition.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed concern over the incident, reaching out to the injured MPs to inquire about their health. Despite the violence, both sides maintained their respective positions, with Congress alleging an attack on the Constitution and an affront to the memory of Dr. Ambedkar by the BJP.
The altercation has added further tension to the already heated atmosphere in Parliament, with both sides now trading allegations and accusing each other of political aggression.