Nishikant Dubey Accuses Rahul Gandhi of 'Gundagardi' at Parliament Protest

Following an alleged physical fight involving BJP MP Pratap Chandra Sarangi, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of "gundagardi” (hooliganism), starting a heated conversation in the Parliament premises on Thursday.

Allegation of Physical Assault

The incident occurred during protests over recent remarks by Home Minister Amit Shah concerning B.R. Ambedkar, which had already heightened tensions between the ruling NDA and the opposition INDIA bloc. As both sides demonstrated near the Makar Dwar entrance of Parliament, a scuffle ensued.

Pratap Chandra Sarangi, a BJP MP, was hurt in the head during the conflict. Rahul Gandhi was alleged for pushing Sarangi, casuing him to fall and sustain injury as per the BJP members.  In a video capturing the aftermath, Nishikant Dubey confronts Gandhi, stating, "Aren't you ashamed? You commit hooliganism... pushed the old man down."

Rahul Gandhi's Defense

Rahul Gandhi denied the accusations, claiming that BJP MPs had actually shoved and blocked him as he attempted to enter Parliament. He stated that BJP members were preventing him and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge from entering the building leading to the struggle. Gandhi remarked, "BJP MPs were stopping us from entering Parliament. They blocked and threatened us. This is our right to protest."

Injuries and Medical Attention

After this mishap, Pratap Chandra Sarangi was taken to New Delhi's Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital for treatment. According to reports, he suffered severe blood loss and a deep head injury that required sutures and close monitoring in the intensive care unit (ICU).

Mukesh Rajput, another BJP MP, reportedly suffered head injuries and high blood pressure during the conflict and is also admitted to the ICU. 

Political Repercussions and Demands

The current conflict between the Congress and the BJP has gotten worse as a result of the fight. Congress-led opposition MPs have been calling for Amit Shah's resignation in regard to his comments on B.R. Ambedkar. Dressed in blue—a color associated with Ambedkar, they carried posters that said "Main Bhi Ambedkar" and "Amit Shah maafi maango."

On the other hand, BJP MPs have demanded an apology from the Congress for allegedly insulting the architect of the Indian Constitution and accused the opposition of disrespecting Ambedkar.

Call for Inquiry

Following the incident, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge wrote to the Speaker of the Lok Sabha urging an inquiry into the events. Kharge claimed that BJP MPs physically pushed him, causing him to lose balance and sustain injuries. He stated, "I was physically pushed by BJP MPs. Thereafter, I lost my balance and was forced to sit down on the ground in front of Makar Dwar." 

It is anticipated that the consequences from this fight could further devide the already tense relations between the ruling party and the opposition, possibly affecting future legislative proceedings in the days to come.