In a decisive move aimed at maintaining decorum and ensuring the smooth functioning of Parliament, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla Thursday issued strict instructions that no political party, Member of Parliament (MP), or groups of MPs will be allowed to hold any dharna (protest) or demonstration at the gates of Parliament House. The directive explicitly prohibits such gatherings at any of the building’s gates. The Speaker's office stressed that the move is aimed at safeguarding the sanctity of Parliament and ensuring that its proceedings are not disrupted. "No member, group of members, or political parties shall hold any dharna or demonstration at any of the gates of Parliament House," sources told Indian Express. Earlier in the day, a controversy erupted after a heated confrontation between opposition and NDA MPs in the Parliament premises, allegedly triggered by an insult to BR Ambedkar. The BJP alleged that two of its MPs, Pratap Chandra Sarangi from Balasore in Odisha and Mukesh Rajput from Farrukhabad in Uttar Pradesh, were injured after being allegedly pushed by Opposition MPs as both sides protested over the B R Ambedkar issue. BJP MP Pratap Chandra Sarangi claimed he was injured when Gandhi pushed a senior BJP member, leading to Sarangi falling. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is said to have called up the two MPs, who were taken to RML Hospital, to enquire about their health. Rajput is said to be admitted in the ICU. Later, the Delhi Police registered an FIR against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and others in connection with the scuffle that took place outside the Parliament. The Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha was booked under several sections of BNS — 117 (voluntary causing grievous hurt), 115 (voluntary causing hurt), 125 (act of endangering life or personal safety of others), 131 (use of criminal force), 351 (criminal intimidation), and 3(5) (common intention). Also Read | Who are Pratap Sarangi and Mukesh Rajput, BJP MPs ‘hospitalised’ after being ‘pushed’ by Rahul Gandhi In response to the allegations, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, in a press conference, said, “We were peacefully protesting in a line, but they stopped us at the Makar Dwar gate. To show their muscle power, they brought many male MPs. We had our female MPs with us, and they were also stopped,” Kharge said. He added that BJP MPs forcefully attacked Congress leaders, causing him to lose his balance. “I’m in no condition to push anyone. I couldn’t handle my balance, and I sat down. Now they are alleging we pushed them,” he stated.
