Digital News Guru Political Desk:
On December 19, 2024, a significant altercation occurred within the Indian Parliament premises, leading to the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against Rahul Gandhi, the leader of the Indian National Congress (INC). He is currently serving as the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha and as the member of the Lok Sabha for Rae Bareli, Uttar Pradesh, since June 2024. The incident has intensified the already charged political atmosphere in India, drawing sharp reactions from both the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and opposition parties.
The Incident:
The scuffle transpired during a protest by Congress members outside the Parliament building. According to reports, the confrontation between opposition MPs and those from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s BJP resulted in injuries to two BJP lawmakers, Pratap Sarangi and Mukesh Rajput. Television footage depicted one of the injured being transported in a wheelchair, with a visible bleeding wound above the left eyebrow.
Allegations and Counter-Allegations:
The BJP lodged a complaint alleging that Rahul Gandhi physically pushed their MPs, causing the injuries. In response, the Delhi Police registered an FIR against Gandhi and others involved. Conversely, the Congress party denied these allegations, asserting that BJP members obstructed and threatened Gandhi as he attempted to enter Parliament. They further accused BJP lawmakers of misconduct towards Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge.
Political Reactions:
The FIR against Rahul Gandhi has elicited strong reactions from political leaders:
- Congress Party’s Stance: KC Venugopal, Congress General Secretary, dismissed the FIR as a “diversionary tactic” aimed at deflecting attention from Gandhi’s protest against Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s remarks on BR Ambedkar. He labeled the FIR a “badge of honour,” emphasizing that Gandhi is already facing multiple cases due to alleged political vendetta by the BJP.
- Rahul Gandhi’s Response: Gandhi refuted the allegations, stating that BJP members had pushed and threatened him, attempting to prevent his entry into Parliament during the scuffle.
Legal Proceedings:
The Delhi Police have initiated an investigation into the incident, examining available footage and complaints from both parties. The injured BJP lawmakers are reportedly receiving medical treatment and are in stable condition.
Context and Implications:
This incident adds to a series of legal challenges faced by Rahul Gandhi. Earlier in 2023, he was convicted in a defamation case, leading to his brief disqualification from Parliament. The Supreme Court later stayed the conviction, allowing his reinstatement.
The scuffle and subsequent FIR have further disrupted the winter session of Parliament, which has experienced multiple adjournments due to heightened tensions between the government and opposition parties. The Congress party has indicated that such actions will not deter their efforts to challenge the ruling regime, accusing the BJP of employing diversionary tactics to suppress dissent.
Conclusion:
The FIR against Rahul Gandhi following the Parliament scuffle underscores the escalating political tensions in India. As investigations proceed, the incident is likely to influence parliamentary proceedings and the broader political discourse, especially with general elections on the horizon. Both the ruling party and the opposition are leveraging the situation to galvanize support, reflecting the deepening divides in Indian politics.
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