On December 19, 2024, a significant altercation occurred in the Indian Parliament, resulting in injuries to two Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Members of Parliament (MPs), Pratap Chandra Sarangi and Mukesh Rajput. The incident unfolded against a backdrop of heightened tensions following controversial remarks made by Home Minister Amit Shah regarding Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, which sparked protests from opposition parties, particularly the Congress party.
Background of the Incident
The turmoil began when Amit Shah referred to Ambedkar as “the fashion” during a speech in the Rajya Sabha, which many opposition MPs interpreted as disrespectful. This led to protests by members of the opposition INDIA bloc, who demanded Shah’s resignation for what they deemed an insult to Ambedkar and the Dalit community. In response, BJP MPs staged counter-protests, accusing the opposition of disrespecting Ambedkar’s legacy.
The Clash
The situation escalated near the Makar Dwar entrance of Parliament, where both sides clashed physically. During this confrontation, BJP MP Pratap Sarangi sustained a deep head injury after allegedly being pushed by Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition. Sarangi claimed that he was struck when another MP fell on him after being pushed by Gandhi. Mukesh Rajput also suffered injuries and was reported to have experienced high blood pressure as a result of the scuffle.
Both MPs were subsequently hospitalized at Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, with Sarangi requiring stitches for his head wound and remaining under observation in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) due to significant blood loss. Rajput was also admitted for treatment but was conscious and stable following his initial treatment.
In the aftermath of the incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached out to inquire about the health of the injured MPs. Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi defended his actions, claiming that he was attempting to enter Parliament when he was blocked and pushed by BJP MPs. He asserted that he did not initiate any physical altercation but rather reacted to being obstructed.
The incident has prompted calls from BJP leaders for legal action against Gandhi and other Congress MPs for their alleged role in the violence. The ongoing protests led to both houses of Parliament being adjourned multiple times throughout the day.
This conflict marks an important event in Indian politics, reflecting growing rifts between the opposition and the ruling party in the context of continuous discussions about historical figures like Ambedkar and more general concerns about accountability and governance in Parliament.
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