Fri Dec 20 08:45:45 UTC 2024: ## Indian Parliament’s Winter Session Ends in Chaos Amidst Accusations and Protests

**New Delhi, December 20, 2024** – India’s Parliament concluded its tumultuous winter session on Friday, marked by intense protests, accusations, and physical altercations between ruling BJP and opposition MPs. The session’s final week was dominated by fallout from Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s controversial remark about Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution, and heated debates surrounding the “one nation, one election” proposal.

The Rajya Sabha Chairman, Jagdeep Dhankhar, sharply criticized the disruptions, stating that the world observes India’s democracy, but the MPs’ conduct mocks public trust. He urged introspection from all parliamentarians. A no-confidence motion against Dhankhar was rejected on procedural grounds.

The clashes escalated on Thursday, with opposition MPs, led by Congress’ Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, demanding Shah’s resignation over his comment, which they deemed disrespectful to Ambedkar. Simultaneously, BJP MPs protested against Gandhi, filing a police complaint accusing him of assaulting two BJP MPs, Pratap Sarangi and Mukesh Rajput, during the melee outside Parliament. Sarangi sustained injuries requiring medical attention.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra countered that the BJP’s actions stemmed from fear over Shah’s remark exposing their true feelings towards Ambedkar. Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav echoed the opposition’s demand for an apology from Shah.

BJP MPs, including Nishikant Dubey, presented their version of events, alleging that Gandhi instigated the violence. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju rejected the opposition’s demands and accused the Congress of resorting to physical assault. Congress, in turn, claimed injuries to party leader Mallikarjun Kharge and filed a counter-complaint. Delhi Police is investigating both complaints. Congress has described the “attempt to murder” complaint against Rahul Gandhi as a “badge of honour” for defending Ambedkar’s legacy.

Shah’s controversial comment, made during a debate on the Constitution, sparked immediate outrage from the opposition. He later issued a statement clarifying his remarks, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi defended Shah on social media. The session ended with lingering tensions and unanswered questions about the future of parliamentary decorum.

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