Parliament Scuffle: Police File FIR Against Rahul Gandhi Based on BJP Complaint

Delhi Police on Thursday filed an FIR against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, following a complaint by BJP MPs accusing him of physical assault, incitement, and criminal intimidation during a scuffle in the Parliament premises.

Charges Listed in BJP’s Complaint

The BJP, led by MPs Anurag Thakur, Bansuri Swaraj, and Hemang Joshi, filed a formal complaint citing the following sections of the BNS (Indian Penal Code equivalent):

1. Section 115: Voluntarily causing grievous hurt.
2. Section 117: Voluntary causing harm or injury.
3. Section 125: Act endangering life or personal safety.
4. Section 131: Use of criminal force.
5. Section 351: Criminal intimidation.

Notably, Section 109 (attempt to murder), included in the original complaint, was excluded from the FIR after review.

Details of the BJP Allegation

• BJP MP Hemang Joshi claimed the scuffle occurred during a peaceful demonstration by NDA leaders at the Makar Dwar entrance of Parliament.
• The BJP accused Rahul Gandhi of:
  • Disregarding security instructions to use the designated entry route.
  • Forcefully barging into the protest area, allegedly disrupting their protest.
  • Misbehaving with BJP MP Phangnon Konyak from Nagaland, causing her discomfort and allegedly shouting at close proximity.

Congress’s Response

1. Rejection of Allegations:
   • Congress rejected BJP’s claims, counter-alleging that Rahul Gandhi and party chief Mallikarjun Kharge were physically manhandled by BJP MPs at the entrance.
2. Focus on Key Issues:
   • Congress accused BJP of diverting attention from the Adani Group case raised internationally and Home Minister Amit Shah’s remarks on B.R. Ambedkar, demanding Shah’s resignation and apology.
   • Rahul Gandhi characterized BJP’s actions as attempts to suppress discussions on critical national and constitutional issues.
3. Filing a Counter-Complaint:
   • Congress lodged its own police complaint against BJP MPs, claiming aggressive behavior and obstruction.

Political Reactions and Escalation

• BJP’s Statements:
  • Accused Rahul Gandhi of “indecent and shameful conduct” on Parliament premises.
  • Criticized him as unfit to hold the position of Leader of Opposition.
  • Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan condemned the actions as “pushing and shoving BJP MPs.”
• Congress’s Stand:
  • Condemned BJP for what they called attempts to shield Amit Shah and stifle opposition voices.
  • Accused BJP and RSS of being anti-Ambedkar and anti-constitutional.

This incident underscores deepening tensions between the ruling and opposition parties, adding new political controversies to the ongoing parliamentary session.