Parl premises turn into battleground; BJP, Congress trade blows & police complaints

2 BJP MPs injured; both sides accuse each other of assault; FIR against Rahul Gandhi

- VINAY KUMAR

NEW DELHI: The two main political rivals—the ruling BJP and the main opposition party, Congress—were involved in a heated confrontation over an alleged physical scuffle in the Parliament complex, which escalated on Thursday. Both sides filed police complaints accusing each other of assault and misconduct.

Delhi Police registered an FIR against Gandhi under various sections after BJP leaders filed a police complaint.

The confrontation between the BJP and Congress erupted over Union Home Minister Amit Shah's remarks on Dr B R Ambedkar in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday. His comments provoked a furious response from Congress leaders, leading to protests outside Parliament on Wednesday and Thursday. Protests by the INDIA bloc were countered by BJP MPs, further escalating tensions.

Clashes outside Parliament between Congress and BJP leaders on Thursday involved allegations of physical altercations. BJP MP Pratap Sarangi claimed that Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi pushed another MP, causing injuries, while Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi accused BJP MPs of blocking and assaulting them. Both parties traded charges and countercharges as the Parliament session remained stalled, and both Houses were adjourned for the day in the afternoon.

BJP leader Anurag Thakur, leading a delegation of party MPs, lodged a complaint with the police against Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, alleging assault and incitement.

Speaking outside the Parliament Street Police Station, Thakur said, "We have filed a complaint under Sections 109, 115, 117, 125, 131, and 351 of the IPC. Section 109 refers to abetment of an offence, while Section 117 pertains to causing grievous hurt..."