A scuffle broke out on December 19, 2024, between Congress and BJP MPs at the Parliament House Complex, leading to serious allegations and injuries. Central to the incident was Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, who faced accusations from BJP members Pratap Sarangi and Mukesh Rajput, claiming he aggressively pushed them during the altercation. Sarangi and Rajput were reportedly injured and hospitalized following the clash, which arose amid heated protests related to remarks made by Home Minister Amit Shah concerning Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
The confrontation unfolded when Rahul Gandhi, attempting to enter Parliament, was allegedly obstructed by BJP MPs. According to witnesses, the situation escalated quickly as MPs exchanged heated words and physical interactions. Reports noted Sarangi suffered head injuries during the melee, leading them to accuse Gandhi directly of physically pushing them, which resulted in their injuries.
Responding to these allegations, Rahul Gandhi stated he was merely trying to enter the Parliament when he faced pushback from BJP MPs. A video circulated widely on social media seemed to show Gandhi admitting to having pushed someone, but upon closer scrutiny, he clarified he was speaking about Mallikarjun Kharge being pushed, not admitting to any assault on BJP MPs. "Yes, this has happened…But we do not get affected by jostling (हां, किया है किया है, मगर ठिक हैं, कोई मतलब धक्का मुक्की से हमें कुछ होता नहीं हैं)," he commented, indicating a dismissive attitude toward the physical confrontation.
The BJP swiftly condemned Gandhi's actions. Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan described the incident as "a black day in Parliamentary history," illustrating the heightened tensions between the two major Indian political parties. The BJP's rhetoric escalated, with some representatives calling the event hooliganism and demanding accountability from Gandhi. "He has been seriously injured... this is hooliganism," remarked BJP MP Vijaypal Singh Tomar, emphasizing the severe nature of Sarangi's condition.
Collectively, BJP leaders like Amit Malviya highlighted the urgency for legal action. Malviya claimed, "Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi admits on camera to having assaulted BJP MP Pratap Sarangi, leaving him grievously injured..." prompting calls for criminal accusations against Gandhi. These statements reveal the intense politicization of the incident, with both parties scrambling to leverage the event to their advantages.
Social media played a significant role, with misleading narratives proliferated online. Several users shared clips of Gandhi's comments, framing them to fit their agendas and shape public perception. Some shared the video asserting Gandhi's admission of guilt without providing full contextual clarity. Many BJP supporters and affiliated media outlets amplified this narrative, pushing the claim of guilt fervently.
Meanwhile, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), responsible for Parliament's security, responded to inquiries about the chaos by asserting there was no failure of protocol on their part. CISF Deputy Inspector General Shrikant Kishore commented, "There was no lapse (on part of the force)." This response indicates the security framework's determination to distance itself from the altercation's outcomes.
The aftermath of the scuffle intensified political lines drawn within the Indian Parliament, leading to FIRs filed against Gandhi, demanding accountability from him and the Congress party. Notably, Prime Minister Modi personally checked on the healthcare status of the injured MPs, demonstrating the seriousness of their condition. Reports revealed both Sarangi and Rajput were admitted to the ICU, with Sarangi receiving stitches for his head injury.
While the opposition prepared to protest against the alleged misconduct by BJP MPs, the narrative surrounding the incident continues to evolve. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has also taken steps to write to the Lok Sabha Speaker, alleging physical assault from BJP members during the uproar. This tit-for-tat response adds another layer to the revolving political discourse surrounding this troubling confrontation.
The incident has sparked widespread discussion about decorum, aggression, and the ethical responsibilities of MPs as public representatives. With Parliament viewed as the ‘temple of democracy,’ events like these can severely undermine public trust and the legislative body's integrity. Commentators and political analysts alike are observing the fallout closely, as the balance of power and public sentiment shifts amid this controversial backdrop.
The interconnected consequences of this altercation will likely resonate throughout the upcoming legislative sessions, stirring debates about the conduct of elected officials and deepening public scrutiny of political accountability.
