Rahul Gandhi accuses BJP of using Parliament scuffle to distract from Adani indictment

A heated scuffle between MPs outside Parliament on Thursday has added to the growing tensions between the BJP and the opposition. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi alleged that the BJP orchestrated the altercation to divert attention from the indictment of Gautam Adani in the United States. The BJP, however, accused Gandhi of pushing and injuring its MP Pratap Sarangi during the incident.

Speaking at a press conference, Rahul Gandhi said, “The BJP has created a new distraction to avoid discussing the Adani Group’s indictment in the United States. They are blocking our way and staging these provocations to hide the fact that Narendra Modi’s close associate Gautam Adani is facing serious charges abroad.”

The scuffle occurred as MPs from both sides protested on the Parliament premises. While the BJP focused on alleged insults to Dr. BR Ambedkar, Congress MPs demanded accountability for the Adani controversy. The altercation reportedly left BJP MP Pratap Sarangi injured, leading to his hospitalisation. Meanwhile, Congress alleged that its Rajya Sabha leader, Mallikarjun Kharge, was manhandled by BJP MPs. Both parties have filed police complaints over the incident.

Referring to remarks made by Home Minister Amit Shah, Rahul Gandhi accused the BJP and RSS of being "anti-Ambedkar and anti-Constitution." He further stated, “The BJP’s mindset is to undermine Dr. Ambedkar’s legacy, as evidenced by their comments during the recent debate on 75 years of the Constitution.”

The Adani Group has come under scrutiny following an indictment and civil complaint in the US, alleging bribery and financial misrepresentation. The US Department of Justice accused Gautam Adani and others of paying over $250 million in bribes to secure solar energy contracts. The company has denied all allegations, calling them “baseless.”

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge condemned the BJP’s actions, stating, “For 14 days, we protested peacefully to bring attention to the Adani issue. Instead of addressing it, they’ve resorted to theatrics and distractions. This reflects their unwillingness to discuss matters of national importance.”

The clash highlights the escalating tensions between the NDA and the INDIA bloc, with the Adani controversy taking center stage in the opposition’s criticism of the government.