'Parliament not...wrestling arena': BJP attacks Rahul after 2 MPs 'injured'
What's the story
The ongoing political slugfest over Amit Shah's remarks on BR Ambedkar resulted in the injuries of two Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MPs on Thursday, allegedly as a result of a push by Congress MP Rahul Gandhi.
The row was triggered by Shah's remarks during a debate on the Constitution.
Shah had said, "It has become the fashion to say 'Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar...' If they (the opposition) took God's name so many times, they will get a place in heaven."
Injury report
BJP MPs injured amidst protests, Gandhi accused of assault
The statement invited a backlash from opposition parties, including the Congress and Samajwadi Party, who demanded an apology and Shah's resignation.
Amid the protests outside Makar Dwar (Parliament's main entrance) by the Congress, BJP MPs Pratap Sarangi and Mukesh Rajput were reportedly injured.
Reacting to the development, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju accused Gandhi of using force against the MPs, questioning his actions and mocking his martial arts skills.
Legal proceedings
BJP plans legal action against Gandhi
"How can he use force in Parliament? Under which law does he have the power to physically assault other MPs?" Rijiju questioned.
"Parliament is not a wrestling arena," he went on, asking if Gandhi had learned "karate, "kung fu, to beat other MPs."
Per reports, the BJP plans to take legal action against Gandhi for his alleged actions.
Twitter Post
Sarangi was moved to a wheelchair
#WATCH | Delhi | BJP MP Pratap Chandra Sarangi says, "Rahul Gandhi pushed an MP who fell on me after which I fell down...I was standing near the stairs when Rahul Gandhi came and pushed an MP who then fell on me..." pic.twitter.com/xhn2XOvYt4
— ANI (@ANI) December 19, 2024
Counterclaim
Gandhi counters allegations, claims he was pushed
Gandhi has refuted the allegations, stating that BJP MPs were blocking his entry into Parliament and that he was pushed and threatened.
"I was trying to go inside...but BJP MPs were trying to stop me; they pushed me away and threatened me," he said.
"This (the shoving) might be on your camera," Gandhi also told reporters, who asked him about the assault allegations.