Fri Dec 20 16:03:52 UTC 2024: ## Congress Condemns FIR Against Rahul Gandhi as “Diversionary Tactic” Following Parliament Scuffle
**NEW DELHI** – The Congress party has strongly condemned the filing of a First Information Report (FIR) against its leader Rahul Gandhi, accusing the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of employing a “diversionary tactic” to deflect from his protest against Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s controversial remarks about B.R. Ambedkar.
The FIR, registered by Delhi Police on Thursday, stems from a scuffle in Parliament during which two BJP MPs claimed injury. The BJP alleges that Gandhi instigated the violence and accused him of assault, even suggesting charges of attempt to murder. The complaint lists several charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including causing grievous hurt, endangering life, and criminal intimidation.
Congress General Secretary K.C. Venugopal dismissed the FIR as a politically motivated attack, stating on X (formerly Twitter) that the case is a “badge of honour” for defending Ambedkar’s legacy. He further criticized Delhi Police for acting on the BJP’s complaint while allegedly ignoring complaints filed by Congress women MPs regarding alleged assault by BJP leaders.
The incident occurred amidst protests by both the NDA and INDIA alliances following Shah’s remarks, which were perceived as belittling Ambedkar. Shah’s comments, “It has become a fashion to say Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar…”, sparked outrage within the Congress.
The Congress maintains that BJP members obstructed Gandhi’s path and pushed Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, leading to the altercation. They have filed a counter-complaint alleging assault and grievous hurt against BJP leaders. The Congress claims Gandhi is already facing 26 politically motivated FIRs filed by the BJP. The incident has further escalated political tensions in the Indian Parliament.
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