NEW DELHI : The Winter Session of Parliament ended on Friday, marked by protests, altercations, and police complaints in a turbulent final week. Widely regarded as one of the least productive sessions of the year, it was overshadowed by clashes between BJP and Congress MPs, fueled by Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s controversial remarks about Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
Key Highlights from a Chaotic Week in Parliament :
Amit Shah’s Speech in Rajya Sabha :
The controversy began on December 17 during a Rajya Sabha discussion on the 75th anniversary of India’s Constitution. Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticized Congress for amending the Constitution for “political gains,” contrasting it with the BJP’s amendments, which he claimed aimed to enhance citizen rights and administrative efficiency.
Shah’s Controversial ‘Fashion’ Remark :
Shah’s statement triggered outrage after he remarked that invoking Dr. Ambedkar’s name had become a “fashion” for the opposition. He quipped, “If they mentioned God’s name so often, they would attain heaven,” a comment Congress leaders shared widely, accusing Shah of disrespecting Ambedkar.
PM Modi Defends Shah :
Prime Minister Narendra Modi defended Amit Shah on social media, accusing Congress of tarnishing Ambedkar’s legacy. Modi listed alleged instances where Congress acted against Ambedkar’s ideals, suggesting the party was rattled by Shah’s remarks.
Kharge’s Challenge to Sack Shah :
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge intensified protests, demanding an apology from Shah and challenging PM Modi to sack him if he truly respected Ambedkar. Kharge accused the BJP of aligning with the Manusmriti over the Constitution, warning of escalating consequences if such remarks continued.
Shah Threatens Legal Action :
Amit Shah responded by accusing Congress of sharing a doctored clip of his speech, warning of legal action. He cited past instances where opposition parties had distorted statements during elections.
Unprecedented Tensions and Physical Clashes :
On Thursday, tensions peaked as MPs from both sides engaged in physical scuffles on Parliament premises. Two BJP MPs were hospitalized with injuries, while Rahul Gandhi faced accusations of aggressive behavior. A female BJP MP alleged Gandhi came too close and shouted at her, while Kharge claimed he was pushed by BJP MPs, resulting in a knee injury.
FIR Against Rahul Gandhi :
The BJP filed a police complaint against Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of assaulting BJP MPs. Congress filed a counter-complaint, but an FIR was registered against Gandhi under various IPC sections. Police are reviewing CCTV footage and preparing to record statements from injured MPs.
Support for Rahul Gandhi :
Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi dismissed the BJP’s accusations as baseless, asserting that Rahul Gandhi would never resort to violence. Jammu and Kashmir’s former CM Omar Abdullah echoed her sentiments, vouching for Gandhi’s respectful demeanor.
Speaker Om Birla Bans Protests at Parliament Gates :
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla issued an order prohibiting protests at Parliament gates, urging MPs to uphold the dignity of the House. He called for decorum following the disruptive protests during the session’s final days.
Protests on the Last Day :
The final day saw NDA MPs protesting inside Parliament, with BJP MP Tejasvi Surya accusing Congress of conspiring against Ambedkar. Opposition MPs gathered at Vijay Chowk to stage a protest, calling for Amit Shah’s resignation and raising slogans such as “Jai Bhim” and “Amit Shah Maafi Mango.”
Session in Review :
The Winter Session concluded in disarray, marred by protests, accusations, and political clashes, leaving meaningful legislative work overshadowed by chaos and partisanship.
