New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has found himself at the center of controversy after an alleged scuffle in the Parliament premises. The incident, which reportedly occurred during the 20th day of the Winter Session, has resulted in an FIR filed against Gandhi under various sections of the BNS, including charges of grievous hurt, criminal intimidation, and endangering personal safety.
The Incident
According to sources, the altercation took place at the entrance of the Parliament House when BJP MPs accused Gandhi and other opposition leaders of blocking their way and inciting physical violence. BJP MPs subsequently filed a police complaint, accusing Gandhi of "physical assault and incitement," and demanded his indictment under serious charges, including an attempt to murder.
In his defense, Rahul Gandhi brushed off the allegations, stating:
"हा हा किया है किया है मगर ठीक है ठीक है कोई कोई मतलब धक्का मुक्की से में कुछ होता नहीं है मगर य एंट्रेंस है पार्लिमेंट हाउस की और हमारा अधिकार है।"
The statement, which translates to "Yes, yes, it happened, but it's fine. Pushing and shoving doesn't matter. This is the entrance to the Parliament House, and it’s our right," has left many questioning whether Gandhi unintentionally admitted to involvement in the scuffle.
The FIR and Legal Implications
Delhi Police have registered an FIR against Gandhi under the following sections of the BNS:
- Section 117: Voluntary causing grievous hurt
- Section 115: Voluntary causing hurt
- Section 125: Act of endangering life or personal safety of others
- Section 131: Use of criminal force
- Section 351: Criminal intimidation
- Section 3(5): Common intention
The FIR was lodged at Parliament Street Police Station, and investigations are underway.
Political Fallout
The incident has sparked intense debate across political lines:
- Congress: Defended Gandhi, arguing that the BJP is attempting to silence opposition voices. Party spokespersons dismissed the allegations as "trumped-up charges" to divert attention from governance failures.
- BJP: Accused Gandhi of setting a dangerous precedent by allegedly resorting to violence in a place that symbolizes democracy.
- Other Opposition Parties: Rallied behind Gandhi, terming the FIR as an "attack on democracy."
Public Perception
The viral clip of Rahul Gandhi’s statement has sparked mixed reactions. While his supporters argue that the remarks reflect his confidence and rightful assertion of parliamentary privileges, critics believe it suggests a lack of accountability for the alleged misconduct.
Next Steps
The incident is expected to dominate the discourse in the remaining days of the Winter Session. Legal experts believe the charges filed against Gandhi are serious, but it remains to be seen how the case unfolds.
As the debate over the scuffle and its implications continues, this episode has brought the spotlight on the deteriorating decorum in Indian parliamentary politics.