Fri Dec 20 07:43:03 UTC 2024: ## Rahul Gandhi Booked on Assault Charges Following Parliament Clash
**New Delhi:** A scuffle between BJP and Congress MPs in Parliament on Thursday has led to a police complaint and an FIR against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. The incident, stemming from protests over Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s remarks on B.R. Ambedkar, saw accusations of assault flying from both sides.
BJP MPs alleged that Gandhi pushed BJP MP Pradeep Singh Sarangi, who was subsequently hospitalized along with another BJP MP, Mukesh Rajput, for injuries sustained during the melee near the Parliament building’s entrance. Sarangi claimed Gandhi pushed Rajput onto him. Both were treated at RML Hospital. Congress countered that BJP MPs were preventing them from entering Parliament and physically obstructing them, including Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge. Gandhi himself stated that BJP MPs were trying to stop them from entering, highlighting the alleged disrespect to the Constitution and Ambedkar’s memory as the core issue.
Following the clash, a BJP delegation filed an FIR against Gandhi under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, potentially leading to arrest and a seven-year prison sentence, according to reports. Congress MPs later filed a counter-complaint against BJP members. While the charges are bailable, the incident raises questions about Gandhi’s parliamentary membership, which could be revoked only upon conviction and a sentence of two years or more. Gandhi’s membership was previously suspended but later reinstated after a Supreme Court ruling. The political clash continues, with both INDIA and NDA alliances staging further protests.
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