Tensions between the BJP and Congress reached a fever pitch on Thursday following a dramatic escalation of their ongoing standoff, marked by allegations of a physical altercation outside Parliament. The confrontation, which has now spiraled into a political and legal battle, has both sides trading accusations of assault and misconduct, while filing police complaints against each other. The incident underscores the deepening divide between India’s two major political factions and has brought Parliamentary proceedings to a grinding halt.
The immediate trigger for the clash was Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s remarks about Dr. BR Ambedkar during a Rajya Sabha debate on Tuesday. Congress leaders interpreted Shah’s comments as an affront to Ambedkar’s legacy, prompting sharp responses and a series of protests outside Parliament. The INDIA bloc intensified demonstrations on Wednesday and Thursday, which were met with counter-protests by BJP MPs, further exacerbating tensions.
BJP's Allegations
The BJP has accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of initiating the physical altercation, alleging that he pushed BJP MP Pratap Sarangi, causing injuries. BJP MP Mukesh Rajput also reportedly sustained head injuries during the scuffle, and both leaders were admitted to the ICU at Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital for treatment. BJP leader and Union Minister Anurag Thakur led a delegation of MPs to the Parliament Street Police Station, where they filed a formal complaint against Gandhi.
Thakur, speaking to the media, provided details of the charges under the Indian Penal Code, including accusations of "attempt to murder" (Section 109), "voluntary causing grievous hurt" (Section 117), and other sections related to incitement and misconduct. “The Congress party has crossed all limits of decorum. This is not just a breach of privilege but a direct attack on Parliamentary democracy,” Thakur said. The BJP also shared video clips from the confrontation, which they claim support their allegations.
Congress's Counter-Complaint
The Congress swiftly hit back with their own allegations, accusing BJP MPs of provoking and physically assaulting their leaders. A delegation of Congress MPs, including senior figures like Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, and several women parliamentarians, filed a counter-complaint at the same police station. Kharge, the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, alleged that BJP MPs deliberately obstructed his movement and pushed him, resulting in injuries to his knees.
Congress MP Pramod Tiwari termed the incident a "premeditated conspiracy" to intimidate opposition leaders. “The way a Dalit leader was abused two days ago, and the manner in which he was pushed today—this is no coincidence. It is part of a larger conspiracy to suppress dissent and tarnish the democratic ethos of Parliament,” he said.
In their letter to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Congress MPs expressed outrage over what they called "a coordinated attack" on their leaders. The letter demanded an independent inquiry into the events, alleging that BJP MPs were armed with placards attached to thick sticks, which they used to push and intimidate opposition members. Congress also accused BJP of using these tactics to distract from the controversy surrounding Shah’s remarks about Dr. Ambedkar.
Political Fallout
Mallikarjun Kharge did not mince words in his criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of enabling a culture of impunity within the BJP. “After insulting Baba Saheb Dr. Ambedkar ji, Narendra Modi ji has now overseen the desecration of Parliament’s dignity,” Kharge said. He also alleged that the BJP’s actions were aimed at silencing the INDIA bloc’s protests, drawing attention to the government’s perceived disregard for Ambedkar’s contributions and the Constitution.
The BJP, however, maintained that the Congress was engaging in theatrics to divert attention from its own failures. Union Minister Thakur reiterated the BJP’s demand for strict action against Gandhi, calling the incident "a black mark on Indian democracy."
Broader Implications
The altercation has raised concerns over the eroding decorum in India’s highest legislative body. With both sides entrenched in their positions, the Parliament session has remained stalled, further delaying crucial debates and legislative work. The incident also highlights the increasingly polarized nature of Indian politics, where physical confrontations and public accusations are becoming alarmingly frequent.
As both the BJP and Congress await police investigations into the incident, the political drama outside Parliament is expected to continue, with each side using the confrontation to rally support from their respective bases. Observers have warned that such incidents, if left unchecked, could have lasting implications for the functioning of India’s democracy, underscoring the urgent need for restoring civility and dialogue in the nation’s political discourse.
