New Delhi, December 19: BJP MPs Pratap Sarangi from Balasore, Odisha, and Mukesh Rajput from Farrukhabad were injured during a scuffle in the Parliament complex on Thursday morning. Both sustained severe head injuries and were rushed to Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital (RML) in Delhi, where their condition is reported to be critical.
The incident occurred amidst heated arguments and protests between MPs from the I.N.D.I.A alliance and the BJP. According to sources, members from both sides confronted each other, leading to a physical altercation. Pratap Sarangi alleged that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi pushed him, causing him to fall and sustain injuries. Sarangi was seen with a handkerchief tied around his head, bleeding from his injuries.
When questioned about the incident, Rahul Gandhi blamed BJP MPs, stating, “BJP MPs obstructed me from entering the Parliament, pushed me, and threatened me. Entering the Parliament is our right.” Rahul further claimed he remained calm throughout the altercation and did not resort to any aggression.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also raised objections, alleging that he and Priyanka Gandhi were pushed, leading to injuries to Priyanka’s knee. Meanwhile, BJP MPs have initiated preparations to file an FIR against Rahul Gandhi regarding the incident.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju criticized Rahul Gandhi, saying, “Rahul Gandhi is the leader of the opposition, but there was no need for him to display such aggression.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been briefed about the incident, and BJP MPs have also lodged a formal complaint with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.
Following the scuffle, proceedings in the Lok Sabha were adjourned until 2 PM. The incident occurred during intense protests in both houses over Home Minister Amit Shah’s controversial remarks on Ambedkar, with opposition MPs demanding Shah’s resignation.
