Two BJP MPs, Pratap Sarangi and Mukesh Rajput, were discharged from Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital on December 23, after being treated for head injuries sustained during a scuffle at the Parliament on December 19. The confrontation arose amid rising political tensions between members of the BJP and the opposing INDIA bloc.
Both MPs were brought to the hospital after the physical clash, which reportedly involved allegations of assault. Sarangi, 69, hailing from Odisha, and Rajput from Uttar Pradesh, were treated after suffering injuries, with Sarangi having been particularly affected due to his existing health conditions.
According to Dr. Shukla from RML Hospital, “The condition of both the MPs is much improved now and they have been discharged.” They had initially been placed under observation first in the ICU and later moved to a regular ward.
Upon their admission, Sarangi exhibited significant injuries, with doctors noting he had been bleeding profusely and required stitches for a deep forehead cut. Sarangi also has pre-existing heart issues, having undergone stent placement. MRI and CT scans conducted did not reveal any serious underlying injuries.
Rajput similarly sustained head injuries, reportedly losing consciousness at the moment of the incident. Luckily, he regained his senses before arriving at the hospital, though his blood pressure had spiked due to the trauma.
The injuries were sustained during heightened tensions, as the BJP faced protests led by Rahul Gandhi's Congress party concerning remarks made by Union Home Minister Amit Shah about the revered figure B.R. Ambedkar. During the assembly, Shah had commented, denouncing what he viewed as excessive and insincere evocation of Ambedkar's name, stating, “It has become fashionable now—Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar. If we had taken the name of God like this, we would achieve heaven.” This remark sparked backlash from opposition leaders.
The day of the injuries, Rajput alleged outright physical altercations, claiming Rahul Gandhi had pushed another MP, resulting in him colliding with Sarangi. This was not the first time such claims had arisen. Following the incident, BJP MPs Anurag Thakur and Bansuri Swaraj submitted complaints alleging Rahul Gandhi committed physical assault and incitement.
On the opposite side, Congress leaders responded to the BJP's accusations by filing counter-complaints at the Parliament Street Police Station, alleging misconduct by BJP representatives against Congress President, Mallikarjun Kharge, during the same fracas.
The recent scuffle highlighted persistent fractures within Indian politics, where both sides appear unwilling to back down. This incident adds to the atmosphere of hostility surrounding parliamentary sessions, raising concerns about the ability of lawmakers to conduct their duties amid such tensions.
Emphasizing the need for civility, Dr. Shukla noted the urgency of public representatives to handle disagreements within such platforms without resorting to physical confrontations. Reflecting on the incident, many observers called for enhanced protocols during parliamentary sessions to prevent similar disputes from arising anew.
Overall, as the BJP continues to face protests against their handling of various socio-political issues, the aftermath of this incident serves as yet another reminder of the challenges present within the current political climate. Political analysts assert such confrontations could impede legislative processes and possibly deter effective governance.
