A clash broke out on the Parliament premises on December 19, 2024, resulting in serious injuries to two Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Members of Parliament (MPs), Pratap Chandra Sarangi and Mukesh Rajput.
Both MPs sustained head injuries and were immediately taken to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Delhi’s Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital.
Health Conditions of the Injured MPs
Pratap Chandra Sarangi, 69 years old, MP from Balasore in Odisha, had complaints of heart ailments in the past. According to Dr. Ajay Shukla, Medical Superintendent at RML Hospital, Sarangi received head injuries in the scuffle.
His history of heart disease and old age place him at a higher risk of complications such as cardiac arrest or stroke. Two stitches were placed on his head, and he remains under constant observation.
Mukesh Rajput, another BJP MP, hailing from Farrukhabad of Uttar Pradesh, also sustained a head injury in the process. Dr. Shukla said Rajput was hit hard on the head, and he had an increase in blood pressure after the fight.
He is being kept under observation now, as is Sarangi. Both are reportedly in stable condition but will remain under observation for a couple of days till their conditions stabilize.
Political Fallout and Allegations
The incident has grabbed the headlines and led to a political uproar with the BJP alleging that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi egged on the injuries. Union Minister Rajnath Singh, who visited the injured MPs, said both would require hospitalization for two days.
He strongly emphasized the gravity of the situation and demanded an honest probe into the incident.
Union Minister B.L. Verma, who has also visited Sarangi in the ICU, expressed great anguish over the incident, which he called a disrespect to the “temple of democracy.” He condemned the behavior of Rahul Gandhi, saying this sort of activity was unbecoming of any parliamentarian.
In response to the allegations, Rahul Gandhi denied any wrongdoing. He claimed that BJP MPs attempted to block his entry into Parliament, leading to a physical confrontation.
Gandhi stated: “I was trying to go inside through the Parliament entrance; BJP MPs were trying to stop me, push me, and threaten me.” He further alleged that Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge was also pushed during the incident.
Cross-Complaints Filed
The altercation has caused both parties to file complaints. The BJP lodged a complaint against Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of assault and attempted murder. The Congress Party has lodged a complaint with the BJP, accusing its MPs of being prevented from entering and being physically assaulted by BJP members.
This exchange of allegations has intensified the political clash between the two major parties.
Background of the MPs
Pratap Chandra Sarangi is known for his austere lifestyle and dedication to social service. He has served as a minister of state for Animal Husbandry, Dairying, and Fisheries, and for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises.
Sarangi has acted as a prominent actor in the Odisha political theater and is respected for his dedication toward public service.
Being from Farrukhabad, Uttar Pradesh, Mukesh Rajput is in the third term as an MP. He has actively served as a member of the various parliamentary committees, including the committee on public undertakings and the committee on labour, textiles, and skill development.
Rajput has received a Bachelor of Science degree and engaged in social and political activities in his constituency.
The Parliament ruckus has led to grievous injuries to two BJP MPs and has raised tensions between the Congress and BJP.
With allegations flying back and forth and in some quarters complaints filed, the incident clearly shows the need for decorum and the safety of all members of the House within the precincts of Parliament.
