“BJP’s Bid To Distract From Ambedkar Row”: Rahul Gandhi On Parliament Tussle

Thu Dec 19 14:45:17 UTC 2024: ## Congress Accuses BJP of Orchestrating Parliament Clash to Divert Attention from Ambedkar Remarks Row

**New Delhi:** The Congress party has accused the BJP of orchestrating a physical clash outside Parliament on Thursday, alleging it was a deliberate attempt to distract from the controversy surrounding Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s remarks on B.R. Ambedkar.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, addressing a press conference with party president Mallikarjun Kharge, claimed BJP MPs physically blocked Opposition members from entering Parliament, wielding sticks and preventing them from proceeding from Ambedkar’s statue. Gandhi stated that the chaos was a calculated distraction from Shah’s comments, which the Congress deems insulting and anti-constitutional. He demanded Shah’s apology and resignation.

Kharge echoed Gandhi’s sentiments, condemning Shah’s remarks and the BJP’s actions. He recounted being pushed and falling to the ground during the alleged attack. Both Congress leaders asserted that the BJP’s accusations of Congress MPs instigating violence are false.

The incident has led to cross-complaints filed at the Parliament Street police station. The BJP alleges that Rahul Gandhi injured two of its MPs, while the Congress accuses BJP members of assaulting Kharge. Nagaland MP Phangnon Konyak also accused Gandhi of misconduct.

The initial spark for the conflict stems from Shah’s Tuesday speech in the Rajya Sabha, where he commented that invoking Ambedkar’s name has become a “fashion” among the opposition. This remark triggered widespread outrage and privilege motions against Shah from the Congress and Trinamool Congress.

While Shah has defended his remarks and refused to apologize or resign, the Congress has vowed to continue its protests, escalating the confrontation into a major political battle. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also defended Shah, accusing the Congress of spreading lies. The clash has further deepened the existing political divide between the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress.

Read More