Fri Dec 20 15:39:39 UTC 2024: ## BJP Minister Blames Rahul Gandhi for Parliament Clashes, Denies BJP Used Numbers for Physical Advantage

NEW DELHI – Union Minister Kiren Rijiju has accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of instigating a physical altercation in Parliament, resulting in injuries to two BJP MPs. Rijiju, in an exclusive interview with NDTV, stated that Gandhi’s actions, which allegedly involved pushing and injuring MPs Mukesh Rajput and Pratap Sarangi, were “unavoidable” and not a display of “mardangi” (masculinity).

The incident occurred during a protest over Home Minister Amit Shah’s remarks on B.R. Ambedkar. While Gandhi denies pushing anyone, Rijiju maintains that Gandhi forced his way through a group of protesting BJP MPs, leading to the injuries. An FIR has been filed against Gandhi based on a BJP MP’s complaint. Rijiju emphasized that despite the BJP’s significant numbers, they did not use them for physical intimidation.

Rijiju also dismissed Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge’s claims of injury, stating that Kharge’s reported knee injury was pre-existing. He further criticized the Congress for disrupting Parliament proceedings, claiming that the disruption was caused by the Congress’s preoccupation with a US court case involving an Indian businessman.

The minister attributed the low productivity of the winter session to the Congress’s actions, stating that many bills could not be passed due to the disruptions. He also rejected suggestions that the BJP is unwilling to accept Rahul Gandhi as the Leader of the Opposition. Rijiju further clarified that Amit Shah’s comments on Ambedkar were taken out of context and that the Congress had consistently disrespected Ambedkar. Finally, he dismissed a no-confidence motion against Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar as invalid due to procedural errors. Rijiju urged the opposition to reflect on their actions and avoid such incidents in the future.

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