Tensions between the BJP and Congress flared on Thursday following an alleged physical scuffle outside Parliament. Both parties have filed police complaints, accusing each other of assault and misconduct, as the confrontation escalates.

The dispute stems from remarks made by Union Home Minister Amit Shah about Dr. B.R. Ambedkar during a Rajya Sabha session on Tuesday. His statements provoked a strong reaction from Congress leaders, triggering protests by the INDIA bloc on Wednesday and Thursday. BJP MPs countered these demonstrations, further intensifying the situation.

Allegations of Physical Scuffles

On Thursday, incidents outside Parliament reportedly involved physical altercations between members of the two parties. BJP MP Pratap Chandra Sarangi accused Congress MP Rahul Gandhi of pushing him during a protest, allegedly causing injuries. According to BJP claims, Sarangi and Mukesh Rajput, another BJP MP, were hospitalized with head injuries at Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital.

Congress leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, denied the allegations and accused BJP MPs of blocking and assaulting them during their protests. Both sides have since traded accusations, leading to disruptions in Parliament.

BJP’s Complaint Against Rahul Gandhi

BJP leaders, led by Anurag Thakur, lodged a formal complaint with Delhi Police against Rahul Gandhi. Thakur alleged that Gandhi had incited violence and assaulted BJP MPs. “We have filed a complaint under multiple sections, including those related to grievous hurt and attempt to murder,” Thakur told reporters outside Parliament Street Police Station.

Congress Counters Allegations

In response, Congress leaders filed a counter-complaint, alleging misconduct by BJP MPs. Congress MP Pramod Tiwari suggested that the incidents were part of a larger conspiracy. Meanwhile, Mallikarjun Kharge accused BJP MPs of tarnishing the dignity of Parliament, claiming they used placards with thick sticks to obstruct the INDIA bloc’s peaceful protests.

In a letter to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Congress MPs demanded an investigation into the alleged assault on Rahul Gandhi. “The physical manhandling of Rahul Gandhi is a violation of the privileges of the Leader of Opposition,” the letter stated. Kharge also alleged that BJP MPs’ actions had caused him to lose balance and suffer injuries to his knees.

Calls for Inquiry

The Congress has urged the Speaker to conduct a detailed inquiry into the events, accusing the BJP of attempting to suppress dissent. The incident has further strained relations between the two parties, with both sides accusing the other of undermining democratic norms.

As the confrontation continues to escalate, parliamentary proceedings remain disrupted, reflecting the deepening divide between India’s major political factions.