Key Points
- BJP vs. Congress Clash: A scuffle between BJP and Congress MPs near Parliament led to serious allegations, injuries, and cross-complaints.
- Legal Proceedings Initiated: BJP filed a police complaint against Rahul Gandhi under several criminal sections, while Congress approached the Lok Sabha Speaker demanding action against BJP MPs.
- Parliament Speaker’s Role Crucial: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla’s decisions will play a pivotal role in resolving the issue, with potential breach of privilege proceedings on the table.
New Delhi: A heated scuffle between BJP and Congress MPs near Parliament on Thursday escalated into a full-blown political showdown. The incident, which unfolded near the iconic Makar Dwar entrance, saw allegations of physical altercations, injuries to MPs, and sharp verbal exchanges, bringing the last day of the winter session to a chaotic close.
BJP’s Allegations Against Rahul Gandhi
BJP leaders Bansuri Swaraj and Anurag Thakur approached the Sansad Marg police station, filing a complaint against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. According to the BJP, the scuffle resulted in injuries to their MPs, including Pratap Chandra Sarangi and Mukesh Rajput. The police have registered a case against Gandhi under multiple sections of the IPC, including:
- Section 109: Abetment of an offense.
- Section 115: Attempt to commit an offense punishable with death or imprisonment for life.
- Section 117: Abetting the commission of an offense.
- Section 121: Waging war against the Government of India.
- Section 351: Assault.
- Section 125: Waging war against a friendly state.
Although most of these sections are bailable, one carries a severe punishment of up to life imprisonment. Delhi Police may summon Gandhi for questioning and could request CCTV footage from the Lok Sabha Secretariat to verify the events.
Congress Hits Back with Its Complaint
The Congress party lodged a formal complaint with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, accusing BJP MPs of obstructing and injuring Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge. According to Congress MP KC Venugopal, their peaceful protest was disrupted by BJP MPs, leading to Kharge’s fall and injuries.
In a letter to the Speaker, Congress leaders KC Venugopal, K Suresh, and Manickam Tagore demanded immediate action against three BJP MPs. Venugopal alleged that Rahul Gandhi was surrounded and provoked by BJP members, escalating the confrontation.
Parliament Speaker’s Role Under Scrutiny
The role of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has come under the spotlight as both parties await his response. As the guardian of Parliament’s dignity, the Speaker has the authority to investigate and take action on complaints involving MPs. However, any police investigation into incidents within the Parliament premises requires the Speaker’s prior approval.
Additionally, the incident may lead to breach of privilege proceedings, a rarely invoked measure to address actions that undermine the dignity of the House.
What Lies Ahead
As Parliament reconvenes for the final day of the winter session, all eyes are on Speaker Om Birla and the subsequent developments in this politically charged case. With both BJP and Congress sticking to their narratives, the scuffle has set the stage for a prolonged battle, both within and outside the corridors of power.
