Fri Dec 20 09:26:55 UTC 2024: ## Rahul Gandhi Faces New FIR Amidst Parliamentary Clashes Over Ambedkar Remarks
**New Delhi:** Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has been slapped with a new FIR, this time for alleged physical altercation in Parliament. This follows days of intense clashes between the Congress and BJP over Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s comments on B.R. Ambedkar.
Congress General Secretary K.C. Venugopal alleges the FIR against Gandhi is a diversionary tactic in response to the Congress’ strong condemnation of Shah’s remarks. He views the case as a badge of honor for defending Ambedkar’s legacy, adding that Gandhi already faces 26 other FIRs, which he attributes to BJP’s political vendetta. Venugopal asserts that this will not deter Gandhi or the Congress from opposing the RSS-BJP government.
The clashes in Parliament involved physical altercations between BJP and Congress MPs. Two BJP MPs, Pratap Sarangi and Mukesh Rajput, sustained injuries and were hospitalized. Congress MP Fagnon Konyak accused Gandhi of getting too close and shouting at her, causing her distress. Congress also questions why Delhi Police haven’t acted on complaints filed by their women MPs against BJP members who allegedly assaulted them.
The controversy stems from Amit Shah’s December 17th remarks on Ambedkar, sparking outrage from the Congress and other opposition parties. The ensuing parliamentary disruptions have seen both sides engaging in parallel protests that escalated into physical confrontations. Senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge also claimed he was pushed during the scuffle.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal criticized Shah’s statement as hateful and disrespectful to Ambedkar, while Union Minister Kiren Rijiju questioned Gandhi’s right to physically assault other MPs, stating that Parliament is not a wrestling arena. Rijiju also called for Gandhi to apologize. The incident has raised concerns about the decorum of Parliament. The situation underscores the deep political divisions and escalating tensions between the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress.
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