The Congress party on Friday dismissed the First Information Report (FIR) filed against Rahul Gandhi in connection with a scuffle in Parliament as a “diversionary tactic” in response to his outspoken protest against Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s controversial remarks on Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. The FIR was filed by BJP MPs accusing Gandhi of “physical assault and incitement” during the incident that took place within the Parliament premises.
Congress Defends Rahul Gandhi’s Actions
In a statement on social media, Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal defended Rahul Gandhi, stating that the case against him was a “badge of honour” for standing up in defense of Babasaheb Ambedkar’s legacy. Venugopal also questioned why the Delhi Police had not taken action against BJP MPs who had allegedly physically assaulted Congress women MPs. He further claimed that Rahul Gandhi was already facing 26 FIRs as part of a broader political vendetta by the BJP and assured that such actions would not silence the Congress party or deter their opposition to what they see as the “casteist” RSS-BJP regime.
Details of the FIR and Allegations
The FIR against Rahul Gandhi was lodged by BJP MP Hemang Joshi, who alleged that Gandhi’s actions led to injuries sustained by two BJP MPs. The complaint cited charges including voluntary causing grievous hurt, endangering personal safety, and criminal intimidation, among others. Gandhi has been booked under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (Indian Penal Code) for his involvement in the scuffle.
Parliament Scuffle: BJP and Congress at Odds
The incident unfolded on Thursday near the Makar Dwar, an entrance reserved for lawmakers, during a heated exchange between BJP and Congress MPs. Both parties accused each other of assaulting their members. BJP MPs claimed Gandhi physically assaulted them, leading to injuries, while Congress alleged that BJP legislators had blocked Gandhi’s path and pushed Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, injuring him.
The scuffle occurred in the context of a protest by members of the opposition alliance, INDIA, against Amit Shah’s remarks on Dr. Ambedkar, which had sparked tensions in Parliament. Both parties had concurrent protests, and the situation escalated quickly.
Congress Files Complaint Against BJP Leaders
In response to the allegations against their leader, the Congress filed their own complaint at the Parliament Street Police Station, accusing BJP leaders of misbehaving with Mallikarjun Kharge and calling for an FIR under charges of assault, grievous hurt, and battery.
Political Tensions Rise Ahead of Key Debates
As the political confrontation intensifies, both parties are gearing up for more heated exchanges in Parliament. With both BJP and Congress claiming victimhood, the incident has added fuel to an already contentious political atmosphere, raising questions about decorum and the state of democracy in the country.