Woman BJP MP Alleges 'Misconduct' By Rahul Gandhi During Parliament Protest: 'Stood Too Close To Me'

A BJP MP from Nagaland, Phangnon Konyak, lodged a complaint with the Rajya Sabha Chairman on Thursday, accusing Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of misconduct during simultaneous protests by the BJP and Congress outside Parliament earlier in the day. Konyak claimed Gandhi stood too close to her, causing discomfort.

In her letter, she wrote, "I was standing just below the staircase of Makar Dwaar with a placard in my hand. Security personnel had cordoned off the area and created a passage to the entrance for MPs from other parties. Suddenly, the Leader of the Opposition, Shri Rahul Gandhi, along with other party members, came in front of me despite there being a passage created for them."

"He misbehaved with me in a loud voice, and his physical proximity was so close that I, being a woman member, felt extremely uncomfortable," she stated.

Konyak further explained that she "stepped aside with a heavy heart, denouncing my democratic rights, but felt that no Member of Parliament should behave this way."

She added that as a woman and a member of the Scheduled Tribe (ST) community, her dignity and self-esteem were deeply affected by Gandhi's actions. She sought the Rajya Sabha Chairman's protection.

Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, Konyak reiterated her allegations: "It is not that I cannot defend myself, but still, it is very unbecoming, so I did not retaliate. However, his actions today were really bad, and I feel disheartened. No lady member, especially someone like me, an ST lady member, should be made to feel this way."

Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar confirmed receipt of the complaint and stated that he was addressing the issue.

"The woman MP came to me crying. I have the information. The MP met me. I am discussing this. She was in a state of shock. I am paying attention to this matter," he said.

The incident occurred amidst chaos outside Parliament, where the BJP-led NDA and the Congress-led INDIA bloc staged simultaneous protests accusing each other of disrespecting BR Ambedkar. The controversy erupted after the Congress alleged that Union Home Minister Amit Shah insulted Ambedkar during a speech in the Rajya Sabha.

During the protests, a BJP MP sustained injuries, which the party claimed were caused after Rahul Gandhi allegedly pushed another MP onto him. Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge also alleged he sustained knee injuries after being pushed by BJP MPs. The BJP has announced plans to file an FIR against Rahul Gandhi.