In a shocking incident, senior and respected BJP MP Pratap Chandra Sarangi was seriously injured when he was allegedly pushed by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi inside the Parliament. The incident has gained national attention on safety and behaviour of India’s highest legislative body.
How the Incident Unfolded
A heated argument between BJP and Congress members took place near the Parliament’s Makar Gate on Thursday, in the scuffle. Sarangi said Rahul Gandhi bumped another MP into him, and the crowd hit him, knocking him to the ground and sustaining a serious head injury.
When Rahul Gandhi pushed an MP, I was standing near the stairs and him. I lost my balance, hit my head, and remember the MP fell on me and I do remember him falling on top of me,” Sarangi said, after he was treated for a head injury.
Doctors treated his bleeding head wound with multiple stitches at RML Hospital. The elderly MP, in his late 60s, was rushed there shortly after he banged his head on a rail. But he has been placed under observation after suffering major blood loss.
Disrespect for an Elderly MP
Rahul Gandhi’s alleged actions have kicked up a storm of outrage. Congress leader has been criticized for targeting an elderly parliamentarian, revered for his simplicity and commitment to social welfare.
Pratap Sarangi is no ordinary MP or a man of doubtful integrity; he is a senior MP, across party lines respected for his integrity. Rahul Gandhi’s imprudence in pushing him during a scuffle reflects very poor on Rahul Gandhi and calls in to question the respect he has for parliamentary norms.
Congress’s Response: Denials and Deflections
In its defense, Congress said BJP MPs manhandled its leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge and Priyanka Gandhi, when protesting. But BJP leaders have called such counter allegations baseless and attempt to deflect from the misconduct of Rahul Gandhi.
Eyewitness reports, as well as visible injuries Sarangi sustained, have all largely been on his side, and where each of them stands can be argued as belonging to the public and political community. Congress has further harmed its credibility by refusing to take responsibility.
Political and Public Reactions
The BJP has strongly criticized Rahul Gandhi’s actions, calling them a breach of parliamentary decorum. Party leaders have demanded strict disciplinary action against him for his reckless behavior.
“This is not just an insult to an individual MP but to the institution of Parliament itself,” said a senior BJP leader.
Public sentiment has been equally unforgiving. Citizens across social media platforms have expressed anger over the incident, calling for accountability and urging Parliament to maintain stricter norms to prevent such altercations.
Rahul Gandhi’s Reputation in Question
Rahul Gandhi’s alleged involvement in this incident has dealt a severe blow to his already controversial political image. Critics argue that pushing an elderly MP like Pratap Sarangi reflects a lack of empathy, responsibility, and maturity expected of a national leader.
This incident has prompted many to question Rahul Gandhi’s ability to handle political disagreements without resorting to aggression. It also raises concerns about his leadership qualities at a time when Congress is striving to regain public trust.
