Ambedkar, Taunts, Protest and a Shoving Row: Parliament Chaos and Allegations Against Rahul Gandhi
Tensions flared in the Indian Parliament on Thursday after a police case was filed against Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, allegedly in connection with his remarks criticising Home Minister Amit Shah’s statement, “Ambedkar is the fashion.”
The altercation escalated when BJP MPs accused Gandhi of physically assaulting two of their members, Pratap Sarangi and Mukesh Rajput. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju lambasted Gandhi, questioning his authority to “use force in Parliament.” Rijiju’s remarks included a jab at Gandhi’s martial arts background, sarcastically asking if his training in Aikido was being used to “beat other MPs.”
This incident reflects a broader political standoff between the BJP and Congress, as both parties accuse each other of employing force to dominate parliamentary proceedings. The heated exchanges occurred against a backdrop of protests and counterprotests near Parliament’s main entrance, Makar Dawar.
Who is Pratap Sarangi - The MP accusing Rahul Gandhi of Assault
Pratap Sarangi, one of the injured BJP MPs, has been a polarising figure. Known for his simple lifestyle and grassroots connections, Sarangi gained national fame when an image of him leaving his bamboo hut to take his oath as a minister went viral. Dubbed “Orissa’s Modi” by some supporters, Sarangi’s story is seen as a “David vs. Goliath” narrative, especially after defeating wealthier political opponents.
However, Sarangi’s past is not without controversy. He served as the Odisha state coordinator of the Bajrang Dal, a Hindu nationalist organisation, during the 1999 killing of Australian missionary Graham Staines and his two sons. While Sarangi was called to testify before the Wadhwa Commission investigating the murders, he was not implicated. The Commission ultimately found that Dara Singh, with no proven ties to the Bajrang Dal, acted independently in orchestrating the brutal act.
The Graham Staines Case - 26 Years of a National Shame
The tragic murder of Graham Staines and his sons remains a painful chapter in Odisha’s history. Staines, who dedicated his life to serving leprosy patients, was killed in 1999 when a mob set his vehicle on fire in Manoharpur village. His death sent shockwaves across the nation and drew international condemnation.
Despite the horror of the incident, the legacy of Staines’ humanitarian work lives on. The Mayurbhanj Leprosy Home (MLH), where Staines worked, continues to provide medical care and rehabilitation services under the leadership of his wife, Gladys Staines. The establishment of the Graham Staines Memorial Hospital in 2005 further cemented his contributions to the community.
Local leaders and residents annually commemorate Staines’ death, reflecting on his selfless service and the broader implications of religious intolerance. Today, Baripada and its surrounding areas have remained largely peaceful, a testament to proactive law enforcement and community vigilance.
Political Symbolism and Social Media’s Role
The juxtaposition of Pratap Sarangi’s rise to prominence and his contentious history underscores the dual-edged nature of social media. Viral images often create heroes without deeper public understanding of their pasts. Sarangi’s portrayal as a symbol of humility contrasts sharply with the unresolved pain of the Staines murder case, reflecting the complexities of public memory and political narratives.
A Microcosm of Larger Issues
The recent events in Parliament and the enduring legacy of figures like Staines highlight recurring themes in Indian politics and society: the polarisation of communities, the exploitation of religious identities for political gain, and the enduring hope for reconciliation and justice. As India navigates these challenges, it must grapple with the legacies of its past while addressing the fractures of its present, ensuring that neither violence nor political opportunism undermines its democratic fabric.
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This is a developing story.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
*The views expressed are personal to the author and do not reflect the platform's opinion of the same.
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