NEW DELHI: On December 19, BJP MP Pratap Chandra Sarangi accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of pushing an MP, which led to the MP falling on him, causing him to lose balance and get injured. Sarangi recounted the incident, stating that he was standing near the stairs when Rahul Gandhi allegedly pushed an MP, who then collided with him, causing him to fall.
Sarangi’s claims surfaced amid rising tensions between the ruling BJP and opposition parties over the Ambedkar controversy. The BJP MP reportedly sustained injuries during the altercation.
In response to Sarangi’s allegations, Rahul Gandhi denied pushing anyone. He explained that he was attempting to enter Parliament when BJP MPs attempted to block his path. Gandhi said, “I was trying to go inside when BJP MPs pushed and threatened me. This was captured on camera. We do not let such actions affect us.” He further criticized the BJP’s actions, stating, “BJP MPs were blocking the entrance, preventing us from entering. This is our right, and they cannot stop us.” Gandhi also condemned the BJP’s alleged attack on the Constitution and the memory of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
Following the incident, the opposition alliance, India Block, organized a protest march to express their dissatisfaction with Home Minister Amit Shah’s controversial statements about Ambedkar. The march began at the statue of Dr. Ambedkar in Parliament and moved toward Makar Dwar. India Block MPs, dressed in blue, condemned Amit Shah’s remarks, calling them an insult to both Ambedkar and the Indian Constitution. Congress party members argued that the government had failed to address Shah’s remarks and was instead defending him, despite his controversial statements.
The protest reflects the deepening divisions over the treatment of Ambedkar’s legacy and the ongoing tension between the ruling government and opposition parties.