New Delhi: Congress announced protests at district headquarters across the country on Friday following the FIR registered against its Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, in connection with a scuffle in Parliament. Delhi Police stated that they may summon Rahul Gandhi for questioning as part of the investigation.
The FIR was lodged at Parliament Street police station on Thursday based on a complaint by BJP MPs. The MPs alleged that Rahul Gandhi was involved in physical assault and provocation during a heated exchange inside Parliament. The incident took place near Makar Dwar entrance of Parliament House, where members of the ruling NDA and opposition parties clashed.
Details of case
The BJP leaders claimed that the scuffle began when Rahul Gandhi ignored security instructions and forcefully approached their protest. The protest involved BJP MPs Mukesh Rajput and Pratap Rao Sarangi, both of whom sustained injuries.
In their complaint, BJP MPs, including Anurag Thakur, Bansuri Swaraj, and Hemang Joshi, accused Rahul Gandhi of pushing Mukesh Rajput and Pratap Rao Sarangi, causing a head injury to Rajput and a forehead injury to Sarangi. Rahul Gandhi is also accused of instigating other opposition MPs to act aggressively.
Delhi Police have registered the case under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including those related to grievous hurt, criminal force, and intimidation. Most charges are bailable, except one section that could lead to severe punishment depending on the injuries sustained.
Congress refutes BJP claims
Congress has denied the allegations, claiming that BJP MPs jostled with Rahul Gandhi and party president Mallikarjun Kharge. They have also filed a counter-complaint with the police.
The incident took place during a tense moment in Parliament when members from both sides were raising slogans related to constitutional issues. Congress criticized the BJP’s actions and called the FIR “politically motivated”.
Congress calls for nationwide protests
The scuffle and subsequent FIR have stirred political tensions across the country. Congress leaders have called for nationwide protests, accusing the ruling party of targeting opposition leaders to silence dissent. Meanwhile, BJP leaders have maintained that the law will take its course.
The investigation is ongoing, and police have sought CCTV footage from Parliament to verify the claims.
