Ambedkar row: Scuffle erupts outside Parliament, Congress and BJP MPs accuse each other of heckling

A scuffle broke out outside the Parliament on December 19, 2024, further escalating the political row over Home Minister Amit Shah’s remarks on Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi alleged that BJP MPs were pushed him and other Opposition MPs from entering Parliament.

A scuffle broke out outside the Parliament on Thursday (December 19, 2024) further escalating the political row over Home Minister Amit Shah’s remarks on Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. While the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi alleged that BJP MPs were pushing him and stopping him and other Opposition MPs from entering Parliament, the BJP accused Mr. Gandhi of assaulting two of their MPs.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju accused Mr. Gandhi of assaulting and injuring two BJP MPs, Pratap Sarangi and Mukesh Rajput.

BJP MP Nishikant Dubey also accused Mr. Gandhi of resorting to “goondagardi” (hooliganism). Mr. Rijiju said that appropriate action will be taken.

Mr. Sarangi was taken to hospital after getting injured in the melee when the protesting INDIA bloc and the BJP MPs came face to face in front of Makar Dwar in Parliament.

Also read | NDA, INDIA bloc MPs hold protest marches over Ambedkar issue

The BJP/NDA protests were a counter to INDIA bloc protests over Home Minister Amit Shah’s reference to Ambedkar. INDIA bloc MPs took out a march within the Parliament complex, demanding Mr. Shah’s apology and resignation.

Amid these allegations and counter allegations, the Lok Sabha proceedings were adjourned within a minute after obituary references.