This statement ignited immediate backlash from the Congress party and its allies in the INDIA bloc. Amit Shah was accused of disrespecting Ambedkar, a principal architect of the Indian Constitution and a revered figure among marginalized communities. In response, Congress leaders demanded an apology and Amit Shah’s resignation.
The situation turned ugly when BJP and Congress MPs simultaneously organized protests in the Parliament premises. The BJP accused the Congress of historically disrespecting Ambedkar, while the Congress-led opposition countered by denouncing Shah’s statements. A scuffle broke out near the Makar Dwar entrance during these exchanges, and BJP MPs Pratap Sarangi and Mukesh Rajput sustained injuries. Sarangi suffered a deep cut on his forehead, while Rajput suffered head injuries and was briefly knocked unconscious; each required treatment at Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital.
Rahul Gandhi, a prominent Congress leader, was accused by BJP members of having pushed the MPs during the altercation. He dismissed the accusation, saying that the BJP MPs were trying to stop him from entering the Parliament and tackled him. “There were BJP MPs ready to stop me, push me, and threaten me while I was trying to enter Parliament.”
Rahul Gandhi, a prominent Congress leader, was accused by BJP members of pushing MPs during the altercation. Gandhi refuted these claims, asserting that BJP MPs attempted to block his entry into Parliament and physically confronted him. He stated, “I was trying to enter Parliament and the BJP MPs were stopping me, pushing me, and threatening me.”
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also alleged physical assault by BJP MPs, claiming he was pushed, causing him to lose balance and sustain injuries to his knees. Kharge has called for an inquiry into the incident, describing it as an assault not just on him but on the position he holds.
The BJP, on the other hand, filed complaints against Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of incitement and assault leading to the injuries of their MPs. Union Minister Anurag Thakur criticized the Congress, alleging a history of disrespect towards Ambedkar and accusing the party of attempting to divert attention from other issues by organizing such protests.
