Speaker Om Birla Bans Protests At Parliament Gates Amid MP Injury Row

A day of political unrest at the Parliament House in New Delhi culminated in strict directives from Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.

Following chaotic clashes between members of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the Opposition bloc INDIA, the Speaker has barred protests at the Parliament gates to avoid further disruption.

Photo Credit: PTI

The incident, which unfolded at the Makar Dwar gate, resulted in injuries to two Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MPs.

What Sparked the Clash?

The altercation occurred during protest marches held by both NDA and Opposition MPs over remarks concerning Dr. BR Ambedkar. The situation escalated when members from both sides confronted each other outside Parliament, leading to jostling. BJP MP Pratap Sarangi sustained a forehead injury, while Mukesh Rajput was injured at the back of his head.

BJP leaders alleged that Congress MP Rahul Gandhi pushed Sarangi, causing his injury. Rahul Gandhi, on the other hand, claimed that BJP members blocked and threatened him as he attempted to enter the Parliament complex.

Speaker's Directives

In response to the incident, Speaker Om Birla issued clear instructions to prevent any protests or obstructions at Parliament's entry gates. He emphasized that no member of Parliament, regardless of their affiliation, should block access to the premises. These measures aim to maintain order and ensure the smooth functioning of the legislative body.

FIR Registered Against Rahul Gandhi

The Delhi Police registered an FIR against Rahul Gandhi following a complaint by BJP MP Hemang Joshi. Gandhi is accused of "physical assault and incitement" under sections of the Indian Penal Code. The police are expected to summon Gandhi for questioning and have sought CCTV footage of the incident.

BJP and Congress Trade Blame

The BJP alleged that Congress MPs, including Gandhi, intentionally used physical force, with Hemang Joshi claiming that Mukesh Rajput and Pratap Sarangi suffered serious injuries. The BJP also criticized Gandhi for his alleged role in the scuffle.

Meanwhile, the Congress rejected these allegations, accusing BJP MPs of manhandling their members, including Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge. The Congress has filed a counter-complaint against the BJP, adding to the growing political tensions.

Political Fallout

The scuffle and subsequent directives have deepened the divide between the ruling NDA and the Opposition bloc INDIA. Both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha were adjourned as protests disrupted parliamentary proceedings. The Opposition continues to demand an apology from Home Minister Amit Shah for his remarks on Dr. Ambedkar.

What's Next?

As the investigation progresses, the political ramifications of this incident are likely to dominate discussions in the coming days. The heightened tension underscores the urgent need for decorum and mutual respect in Parliament, especially during politically charged times.