PARLIAMENT'S PITIFUL PLUNGE
The Free Press Journal|December 20, 2024
FIR against Rahul Gandhi for injuries received by two BJP MPs, a sordid fallout of what began as a protest over HM's remarks
PARLIAMENT'S PITIFUL PLUNGE

Indian democracy reached an unenviable nadir on Thursday evening when the halls of Parliament, once envisioned as a beacon of civil debate, bore witness to scenes reminiscent of a World Wrestling Federation (WWF) match. Pushing, shoving, and allegations of assault culminated in injuries, blood, and a police complaint — filed not by irate college students or rioting citizens but by elected representatives of the world's largest democracy.

As the clock ticked past 9 p.m., the Parliament chaos reached its crescendo with the Delhi Police registering an FIR against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. The FIR cites multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including 117 (voluntarily causing grievous hurt), 115 (voluntarily causing hurt), 125 (endangering life or personal safety of others), 131 (use of criminal force), 351 (criminal intimidation), and 3(5) (common intention).

The complaint against Gandhi marks yet another chapter in his chequered political career and stands as a sordid fallout of what began as a protest over Home Minister Amit Shah's remarks about B.R. Ambedkar during a Constitution event.

BLOOD ON THE STAIRS

The day's drama unfolded at the Makar Dwar entrance of the new Parliament building. Opposition MPs, led by the Congress, had been staging daily protests demanding an apology from Shah for what they alleged were disparaging comments against Ambedkar. On Thursday, BJP MPs countered with their own protest, accusing the Congress of tarnishing the Constitution's architect.

What began as verbal jousting quickly degenerated into physical altercations. Around 10:30 a.m., as members from both camps converged on the stairs to enter the Parliament building, chaos erupted. Amid the melee, BJP MPs Mukesh Rajput and Pratap Sarangi reportedly sustained head injuries and were rushed to RML Hospital.

This story is from the December 20, 2024 edition of The Free Press Journal.

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This story is from the December 20, 2024 edition of The Free Press Journal.

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