PM Modi Calls BJP MPs Pratap Sarangi, Mukesh Rajput After Scuffle Outside Parliament During Protest

The halls of Parliament witnessed a tumultuous scene on Thursday as members from the BJP and the Opposition Congress engaged in a confrontation right at the entrance, amidst a demonstration concerning the Ambedkar controversy. This altercation marked a significant moment of discord between the two major political factions, underscoring the intensity of their dispute.

In the aftermath of the skirmish, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a personal interest in the well-being of the injured BJP Members of Parliament, Pratap Sarangi and Mukesh Rajput. He reached out to both MPs to inquire about their health status and offer words of encouragement. Dr. Ajay Shukla, the Medical Superintendent at RML, shared insights into the Prime Minister's concerns, stating, "He (PM called up) and inquired about the condition of both MPs. He spoke with both of them. He tried to make them understand to not worry and that they would be fine. They seem to be better now. Tests are being done."

This incident took place amid a confrontation between the protesting INDIA bloc members and BJP MPs near the entrance of the Parliament. In response, Rahul Gandhi refuted the accusations, stating that it was, in fact, BJP MPs who hindered and shoved him as he attempted to enter the Parliament premises.

Following the altercation, Mallikarjun Kharge, the Congress party chief, reached out to the Lok Sabha Speaker through a written appeal for an investigation into the matter. Kharge's letter detailed how he was physically manhandled by BJP MPs, which led to him losing his balance and being forced to sit down, causing injury to his already surgically repaired knees. The letter highlighted how he was subsequently helped to a chair by Congress MPs. Amid these accusations, the Congress party also brought to light a video that showcased MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Kharge being obstructed by BJP members from entering Parliament.

Protests Intensify in the Parliament

The day saw the opposition ramping up its protest, demanding the resignation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, with the Parliament precincts echoing with chants of 'Main Bhi Ambedkar', 'Jai Bhim', and 'Amit Shah maafi maango'. Rahul Gandhi, donning blue - a color symbolizing B.R. Ambedkar - spearheaded the march to Parliament's Makar Dwar, amidst slogans calling for Shah's resignation and some INDIA bloc MPs scaling the wall at Makar Dwar.

Amid these tumultuous events, BJP MP from Balasore, Pratap Chandra Sarangi, alleged that he was injured due to Rahul Gandhi pushing another MP who then fell on him, causing both of them to fall. Sarangi reported a head injury and was treated at Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital. This accusation was supported by BJP's Nishikant Dubey, who implicated Gandhi in the incident involving the 69-year-old parliamentarian.

BJP and Congress Exchange Accusations

In a sharp retort to the Congress, the BJP condemned the opposition party as hypocrites who have undermined democracy in India. Party chief JP Nadda criticized the Congress for exploiting Ambedkar's name for political ends and accused the former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru of harboring animosity towards Ambedkar, stating, "Yes, it was unfiltered hate," on social media platform X. Nadda also highlighted the Congress's electoral failures in states like Haryana and Maharashtra, urging the party to abandon falsehoods.

The controversy further escalated with Congress MP Randeep Singh Surjewala issuing a suspension of business notice in the Rajya Sabha to discuss remarks made by Amit Shah. Opposition parties had previously united in their condemnation of Shah's comments about B.R. Ambedkar, leading to the adjournment of both Houses of Parliament. The BJP, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, defended Shah, while TMC MP Derek O'Brien initiated a privilege motion against Shah in the Rajya Sabha.