New Delhi, December 19, 2024 – The Indian Parliament witnessed unprecedented scenes of chaos and physical confrontations today, marking a day of significant turmoil in the winter session. The focal point of the controversy was Rahul Gandhi, the leader of the opposition, who was allegedly at the center of the physical altercations between members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress.
According to reports, the situation escalated when BJP MPs claimed that they were not allowed entry into Parliament, leading to a physical scuffle. Congress MPs, including Rahul Gandhi, were accused of pushing BJP members, resulting in injuries to BJP MP Pratap Sarangi from Odisha, who was reported to have suffered injuries to his eyes. An ambulance was seen at the Lok Sabha, highlighting the severity of the situation.
The BJP has strongly criticized the Congress for what they described as “goon-like behavior,” with BJP’s Pradeep Mahaur stating that such actions are unbecoming of elected representatives. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju condemned the incident, asserting that Parliament is a place for debate, not physical confrontations, likening it to a wrestling platform.
On the other hand, the Congress has accused the BJP of orchestrating the chaos to divert attention from pressing issues, particularly the ongoing Ambedkar controversy. Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra suggested that the physical confrontations were a tactic to avoid discussing the Adani issue, among others.
The opposition’s protest at Makar Gate further intensified the deadlock in proceedings, following a statement by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, which led to disruptions. This session has seen both ruling and opposition parties engaging in protests, indicating deep-seated tensions over various legislative and political matters.
Parliament Speaker Om Birla has appealed for calm and urged MPs to cease gate protests, citing security concerns and accessibility issues, particularly for female parliamentarians. This appeal follows an advisory from the Parliament Secretariat, which highlighted the negative impact of such protests on the functioning of the legislative body.
As the winter session of Parliament progresses, there is a palpable sense of urgency to restore order and address the underlying issues causing these unprecedented disputes. The events of today are likely to have lasting implications on the political discourse and the decorum expected in one of India’s most hallowed democratic institutions.
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