BJP woman MP accuses Rahul Gandhi of misbehaviour, files complaint with Rajya Sabha Chairman

BJP Rajya Sabha MP Phangnon Konyak has filed a formal complaint with Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar, accusing Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of misbehaviour during protests outside Parliament on Thursday. Konyak, who is from Nagaland and belongs to the Scheduled Tribe (ST) community, stated in her complaint that Gandhi’s physical proximity and loud behaviour caused her significant discomfort and emotional distress.

The incident took place when Konyak, holding a placard, was standing near the Makar Dwaar at Parliament. According to Konyak, security personnel had created a designated passage for MPs from different parties to move through, and she was positioned in this area. However, Konyak claimed that despite the security arrangements, Gandhi and other Congress MPs approached her and blocked her path. "The Security Personnel had cordoned and created a passage to the entrance right for the moment of Hon'ble MP's of other parties. Suddenly, Leader of Opposition, Shri Rahul Gandhi Ji along with other Party Members came in front of me despite there being a passage created for them," Konyak wrote in her letter to the Chairman.

Konyak further alleged that Gandhi’s physical proximity was so close that it made her feel extremely uncomfortable, particularly as a woman MP. She described the encounter as a breach of her dignity and self-respect. "He misbehaved with me in a loud voice and his physical proximity to me was so close that I, being a lady member, felt extremely uncomfortable," Konyak stated in her complaint. Despite feeling violated, Konyak chose to step aside, denouncing the situation but refraining from retaliating. "I stepped aside with heavy heart and denouncing my democratic rights but felt that no Member of Parliament should behave this way," she added.

The BJP MP also emphasized her position as a woman and a member of the ST community, stating that her dignity had been severely hurt by the actions of the Leader of Opposition. In her complaint, Konyak requested the Rajya Sabha Chairman’s protection, expressing her belief that such behaviour from a senior leader was inappropriate and unacceptable, especially for a female MP in Parliament. "My dignity and self-esteem have been deeply hurt by LoP, Shri Rahul Gandhi Ji," Konyak wrote, seeking urgent intervention.

This confrontation took place during a protest by Congress MPs outside Parliament, which was organized in response to allegations that Union Home Minister Amit Shah had insulted Dr. B.R. Ambedkar during his speech in the Rajya Sabha. While Congress MPs gathered in protest, BJP MPs also held demonstrations, accusing the Congress leadership of disrespecting Ambedkar’s legacy. In the midst of these protests, there were claims of physical altercations, including reports of a BJP MP being injured after allegedly being pushed by Rahul Gandhi.

BJP leaders, including Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, condemned Gandhi’s actions, calling them violent and disrespectful. Rijiju and others criticized the Congress leader for instigating physical confrontations, with some BJP MPs alleging that Gandhi pushed one of their colleagues. "Rahul Gandhi attacked our lady MP and two others from the Lok Sabha. They were hospitalized. We are not afraid, but we don’t want Parliament to descend into physical violence. This is not a wrestling ground," Rijiju said.

In response to Konyak's complaint, Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar acknowledged receiving the letter and assured that the matter would be thoroughly reviewed. He confirmed that Konyak had met with him and appeared visibly distressed. "The woman MP came to me crying. I have the information. The MP met me. I am discussing this. She was in a state of shock. I am paying attention to this matter," Dhankhar stated.

Congress leaders, however, rejected the allegations, with senior party member Tiruchi Siva defending Rahul Gandhi. Siva stated that Gandhi respected every woman and that nothing inappropriate had occurred during the protest. He characterized the accusations as one-sided and claimed that the situation was being exaggerated.

This incident has added to the ongoing tension between the BJP and Congress, both of which have accused each other of engaging in disruptive and undemocratic behaviour in Parliament. As the protests continued, accusations of physical violence and disrespect were exchanged between the two parties, highlighting the ongoing political divisions and the challenges faced in the current parliamentary session. The matter is under investigation by the Rajya Sabha Chairman, and further developments are awaited.