NEW DELHI: The recent scuffle at the new Parliament building on December 19 has sparked intense political controversy and raised questions about safety and decorum within one of the most important democratic institutions of India. Two Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Members of Parliament, Pratap Sarangi and Mukesh Rajput, were injured during this incident and were discharged from the hospital on Monday morning.
Dr Ajay Shukla, the medical superintendent at Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, confirmed, "Both the MPs were discharged in the morning. Their blood pressure is under control now, and they have been kept on SOS medication. Follow-ups on their health will continue." Sarangi suffered significant injuries, including a deep cut on his forehead, whereas Rajput reportedly fell unconscious due to elevated blood pressure, coinciding with the chaotic events during the confrontation.
The situation escalated just before the Houses were set to convene at 11 am, as BJP MPs gathered at the Makar Dwar entrance to protest against Congress's perceived disrespect toward Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the revered architect of the Constitution. Tensions flared when Congress leader and Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi attempted to pass through the gathering, leading to allegations of physical aggression from both sides.
According to Sarangi, the 70-year-old MP from Balasore, Odisha, he witnessed Gandhi pushing Mukesh Rajput, which allegedly caused both MPs to fall and sustain injuries. Expressing his indignation, Sarangi described the actions as “goonish,” which incited strong reactions from Congress leaders who emphasized their own grievances. A spokesperson for the Congress party accused BJP MPs of manhandling Gandhi and assaulting party president Mallikarjun Kharge during the uproar.
Following the altercation, the Lok Sabha Speaker, Om Birla, took preventative measures by banning demonstrations at all Parliament entrances to minimize chances of similar future incidents. This development came amid increasing scrutiny of MPs' conduct and security protocols within the Parliament complex.
Security at the event was the responsibility of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), which later denied any lapse during the scuffle. Deputy Inspector General Shrikant Kishore stated, “There was no lapse on part of the force. No weapon was allowed,” addressing allegations made by various parliamentarians following the incident.
Kishore remarked on the counter-allegations between the members of both parties, saying, “The force will choose to keep quiet when the honorable members (MPs) make allegations...” This remark highlights the complex and often fraught nature of security during parliamentary proceedings. He also clarified the protocol stating, “MPs who enter Parliament are not screened (frisked) as per protocol.” This raises questions about security measures, particularly during heated exchanges.
The clash's aftereffects reverberated through the political spectrum, with reports stating Delhi Police filed an FIR against Rahul Gandhi based on the BJP's complaint, accusing him of physical assault. This development indicates potential legal ramifications from the scuffle, even as Gandhi highlighted other pressing national concerns, such as the investigation involving industrialist Adani.
Union Minister Giriraj Singh directly addressed the incident, claiming he was informed by the injured MPs about their allegations against Gandhi. According to Singh, they described Gandhi's actions as reminiscent of “a bouncer” which suggested premeditated violence, labeling the incident as “very shameful” and expressing his disappointment at the former Congress president’s conduct.
Meanwhile, the Congress party continues to reject the BJP's narrative, framing the incident as part of broader tactics employed by the ruling party to divert attention from its governance challenges. Congress leaders maintain claims of BJP aggression against their MPs, reiteratively emphasizing the need for accountability and proper conduct within Parliament.
This scuffle is but the latest episode of increasing enmity between the ruling BJP and the newly formed alliance known as the INDIA bloc, comprised of various opposition parties, including Congress. This tension is reflective of the current polarized political climate, highlighting how disputes can translate from parliamentary discussions to physical confrontations, raising concerns about the integrity and civility expected in legislative processes.
With the Parliament now implementing strict measures to maintain order, the incident stands as both a cautionary tale and a signal of the broader unrest brewing within Indian politics as parties prepare for forthcoming elections. The BJP and Congress maintain pressure on one another as parliamentary sessions draw closer, raising concerns about what the next confrontation might entail, and whether the security measures will suffice to prevent escalation.
Overall, the December 19 parliamentary scuffle encapsulates the fragile state of contemporary Indian politics, emphasizing both the urgent need for decorum and the complex dynamics of power between opposing parties.
