Thu Dec 19 12:09:01 UTC 2024: ## Parliament in Chaos: BJP, Congress Clash Over Ambedkar Remark, Allegations of Assault Fly
**New Delhi, December 19, 2024** – A major clash erupted in the Indian Parliament today, fueled by a controversial remark made by Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding B.R. Ambedkar and escalating into allegations of assault and counter-assault between BJP and Congress MPs.
The initial spark was Shah’s comment on Monday, stating that invoking Ambedkar’s name had become a “fashion” among opposition parties. This triggered immediate outrage from the Congress and other opposition parties, who demanded Shah’s apology and resignation.
The situation deteriorated sharply today when BJP MPs Pratap Sarangi and Mukesh Rajput filed a police complaint alleging serious injuries inflicted upon them by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi during a scuffle outside Parliament. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju claimed Gandhi, who holds a black belt in Aikido, had seriously injured the BJP MPs. Both Sarangi and Rajput were admitted to the ICU. Prime Minister Modi reportedly spoke to them.
Congress countered with its own complaint, alleging injuries to party president Mallikarjun Kharge during the same incident. Further accusations flew from both sides, with BJP MP Phangnon Konyak alleging misconduct by Gandhi toward her, and Congress MP Jebi Mather claiming mistreatment of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and other Congress women MPs.
Rahul Gandhi vehemently denied the BJP’s allegations, claiming BJP MPs were blocking his entry into Parliament and pushing him and Kharge. He stated that the BJP’s actions provoked the altercation. His version of events was supported by National Conference leader Omar Abdullah, who stated that such behavior was “not in his nature.” Priyanka Gandhi Vadra accused the BJP of orchestrating a conspiracy to deflect attention from the Ambedkar remark controversy.
Meanwhile, BJP leaders, including Piyush Goyal and Shivraj Chouhan, denounced Gandhi’s actions. The day concluded with both BJP and Congress holding press conferences, accusing each other of violence and demanding apologies.
Amidst the accusations and counter-accusations, the original Ambedkar remark continues to dominate the political discourse. Shah defended himself against the accusations of disrespecting Dr. Ambedkar, claiming the Congress was twisting his words. The Prime Minister also came to Shah’s defense, accusing the Congress of malicious lies. The Congress has filed privilege motions against Shah in the Rajya Sabha. The situation remains highly volatile, with the political fallout from this incident expected to continue.
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