I.N.D.I.A. bloc members, including Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi and NDA members hold posters and raise slogans during a protest in Parliament premises on Thursday.
Credit: PTI Photo
New Delhi: BJP on Thursday accused Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi of pushing their MPs resulting in head injuries to two MPs during a protest in Parliament House while its Rajya Sabha MP S Phangnon Konyak alleged that the top Congress leader came to “very close” to her and shouted at her.
MPs from the BJP, including former minister Anurag Thakur, rushed to Parliament Street police station to file a complaint against Rahul and other I.N.D.I.A. MPs for injuring their MPs Pratap Sarangi and Mukesh Rajput, who suffered head injuries and were admitted in Ram Manohar Lohia’s Intensive Care Unit.
In front of Makar Dwar where the face-off happened, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey asked Rahul, “are you not ashamed Rahul? You are resorting to rowdy behaviour. You pushed an old man,” Dubey claimed, to which Rahul said, "he pushed me." Rahul walked off after checking at Sarangi, who told reporters, “Rahul Gandhi pushed an MP, who fell on me and I got injured.”
Congress Lok Sabha MP Hibi Eden wrote to Speaker Om Birla refuting her allegations, saying he was with Rahul throughout the protest and at no point, the Congress leader “never came in proximity” with her. He called it a “bogus claim”, “entirely fabricated” and a “malicious attempt” at belittling the integrity of the Leader of Opposition.
Rajya Sabha witnessed noisy scenes during the afternoon session with BJP MPs protesting against Rahul accusing him of “physically charging” at their lawmakers. Konyak told the House that it was disheartening to note that Rahul came in “very close proximity” to her and shouted at her during separate protests by both NDA and I.N.D.I.A. bloc MPs.
Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar said she had met him personally to submit the complaint and that she was in tears when she narrated the incident.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said Congress’ behaviour was shameful and one should not think that they would be scared by physical intimidation. “The entire Congress MPs should apologise to Parliament and the country," he said while Leader of the House JP Nadda said he wants to bring a resolution to condemn Rahul's behaviour.
Opposition objected to the comments with DMK's Tiruchi Siva saying that it was only one version while I.N.D.I.A.'s protest was prevented by NDA MPs. The House was adjourned for the day amid protests.
Earlier in the day, MPs from both sides had a face-off in front of Makar Dwar during separate protests over Ambedkar. While Rahul was trying to enter the House, Congress claimed he was obstructed by BJP MPs while the latter said that the Leader of Opposition pushed some MPs leading to the injuries of two law makers.
Medical Superintendent Dr Ajay Shukla said, "Sarangi was bleeding profusely. He had a deep cut on his forehead and it had to be stitched. His blood pressure and anxiety level were high when he was brought in. Rajput also had a head injury immediately after which he lost consciousness. However, the MP was in his senses when he was brought to the hospital. His blood pressure levels had also shot up."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called up Sarangi and Rajput and enquired about their health after they sustained injuries in the Parliament complex, sources said.
“Appropriate action will be taken after examining the injuries suffered by Sarangi. Parliament is not a place to show physical strength. It is not a wrestling ring,” Rijiju told reporters.
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhad said, "Rahul Gandhi pushed forcefully. Due to this, around 3-4 MPs fell and BJP MPs Sarangi and Rajput were badly injured."
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said whatever Rahul was saying is a "complete lie" and people were making way for him when he came. "Our people were giving him the way, despite that he pushed them. After lodging the FIR, all the options are open," he added.