December 19, 2024: A fresh political storm erupted in Parliament today, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) announcing its intent to file a police case against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi following allegations of physical assault during a scuffle outside the main entrance of Parliament. The altercation, which occurred amidst protests and counterprotests, has led to accusations that Gandhi caused injuries to two BJP MPs, triggering a war of words between the opposition and ruling parties.
BJP Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju claimed that two BJP MPs—Pratap Sarangi and Mukesh Rajput—had sustained "serious injuries" due to an altercation with Gandhi. Rijiju demanded an explanation for what he described as a "blatant physical assault" inside the parliamentary premises. "How can Rahul Gandhi use force in Parliament?" Rijiju asked. "Under which law does he have the power to physically assault other MPs?"
The tension began after a series of protests outside Makar Dawar, the main door to Parliament, where MPs from both sides clashed amid rising political temperatures. The controversy was further inflamed by a remark from Home Minister Amit Shah about Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, which had already sparked heated exchanges between the ruling BJP and opposition leaders, particularly the Congress.
Rijiju, in a sharp and sarcastic remark, questioned whether Gandhi’s background in Aikido—he holds a black belt in the Japanese martial art—was to blame for the physical confrontation. “Have you learnt karate or kung fu to beat up other MPs?” Rijiju quipped, referring to Gandhi's known proficiency in martial arts.
The BJP minister also demanded a public apology from the Congress leader. "Parliament is not a wrestling arena," Rijiju emphasized. He added that he planned to visit the injured MPs in the hospital.
Meanwhile, sources close to Prime Minister Narendra Modi confirmed that the Prime Minister had reached out to both Sarangi and Rajput, expressing concern over their injuries. The PM's personal touch is likely to amplify the BJP’s narrative of victimization.
In response, Congress leaders have denied the allegations and dismissed the BJP's accusations as politically motivated. A Congress spokesperson has demanded a full inquiry into the incident, insisting that the BJP's claims were exaggerated and aimed at deflecting attention from larger issues affecting the nation.
The row is the latest in a series of escalating tensions within Parliament, where protests have become commonplace amid the ongoing political polarization between the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress party. Both sides have traded barbs in recent weeks, with particular focus on remarks made by Home Minister Amit Shah on Dr. Ambedkar's legacy, which have been criticized as insensitive by the Congress.
The incident has sparked widespread debate on the conduct of MPs in the Lok Sabha, with calls for tighter security and clearer guidelines on the behavior of elected representatives within the Parliament complex. As the political standoff continues, all eyes will be on the next steps from both the BJP and Congress, as well as the law enforcement agencies involved in investigating the matter.