Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, addressing a press conference alongside Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge.
NEW DELHI: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, addressing a press conference alongside Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, dismissed allegations of assaulting BJP MPs during a scuffle in the Parliament premises. The FIR filed against Gandhi accuses him of “physical assault and incitement,” leading to injuries sustained by BJP MPs Pratap Chandra Sarangi and Mukesh Rajput. The incident has escalated tensions between the BJP and Congress, with both sides accusing the other of misconduct.
The altercation reportedly occurred near the Parliament entry steps during a heated exchange between NDA and INDIA bloc MPs. BJP leaders allege that Gandhi pushed Sarangi and Rajput, causing serious injuries. Both MPs are currently receiving treatment at Delhi’s Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital. The FIR, lodged at the Parliament Street Police Station, cites multiple IPC sections, including those for grievous hurt, criminal intimidation, and use of force.
ALSO READ: FIR filed against Rahul Gandhi over alleged scuffle in Parliament premises
At the press conference, Gandhi strongly denied the allegations, calling them “baseless and politically motivated.” He claimed that BJP MPs attempted to block his entry into Parliament. “They are trying to create a diversion to avoid discussing the Adani issue,” Gandhi said, reiterating Congress’s demand for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah to apologize and step down.
Kharge, echoing Gandhi’s remarks, accused the BJP of orchestrating the confrontation to shift focus from critical issues like inflation and unemployment. He also criticized the police for registering an FIR against Gandhi while ignoring Congress’s counter-complaint. The Congress filed a separate FIR accusing BJP leaders of misbehaving with Kharge and INDIA bloc MPs.
ALSO READ: FIR filed against Rahul Gandhi over alleged scuffle in Parliament premises
Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan slammed Gandhi’s conduct, calling it “indecent” and “goondagardi.” BJP spokespersons have demanded Gandhi’s immediate apology and hinted at further legal action. Meanwhile, political analysts view the incident as a flashpoint in an already polarized Parliament, with both parties intensifying their rhetoric ahead of upcoming elections.
The Parliament scuffle has sparked widespread debate, with opposition parties accusing the ruling BJP of suppressing dissent. The Congress announced plans for nationwide protests in solidarity with Gandhi and Kharge, vowing to “expose the BJP’s undemocratic behaviour.”