A confrontation between political adversaries outside Parliament on December 19 has led to allegations of misconduct against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. BJP MP Phangnon Konyak, representing Nagaland in the Rajya Sabha, filed a formal complaint accusing Gandhi of inappropriate behaviour during simultaneous protests by the BJP-led NDA and Congress-led INDIA bloc.
Konyak alleged that Gandhi stood uncomfortably close to her despite ample space to pass, making her feel intimidated. “His physical proximity to me was so close that I, being a lady member, felt extremely uncomfortable,” Konyak stated in her complaint to Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar. The tribal leader emphasized that the incident had deeply affected her dignity as a woman and a member of the Scheduled Tribe (ST) community.
Dhankhar acknowledged receiving the complaint, expressing concern over the seriousness of the allegations. “The woman MP came to me crying. She was in a state of shock,” he said, promising prompt action.
The altercation occurred amidst heated protests over remarks related to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. The chaos led to injuries on both sides, with BJP alleging that Gandhi pushed one of their MPs, causing him to fall. Meanwhile, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge claimed he sustained knee injuries after being pushed by BJP MPs.
In a statement in the Rajya Sabha, Konyak elaborated on her experience: “It is not that I cannot defend myself, but still, it is very unbecoming, so I did not retaliate. No lady member, especially someone like me, an ST lady member, should be made to feel this way.”
The BJP has announced its intention to escalate the matter by filing a police complaint against Gandhi. Congress has yet to issue an official response to the allegations, further intensifying the political tensions surrounding the incident.