Former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel has called for the release of CCTV footage showing the alleged physical altercation between Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and a BJP MP in the Parliament complex. Baghel also criticised Union Home Minister Amit Shah for his 'inflammatory' comments regarding Dalit icon B.R. Ambedkar. Rahul Gandhi and the Congress have refuted the accusations and retaliated with their own complaint. Baghel also expressed concerns over the law and order situation in Chhattisgarh under the BJP government.
Clash in Parliament: Congress, BJP Trade Accusations
On July 27th, 2023, a physical altercation was alleged to have occurred between Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and BJP MP Nishikant Dubey in the Parliament complex. The incident sparked a war of words between the two parties, with Congress demanding the release of CCTV footage and BJP accusing Gandhi of unparliamentary behavior.
Background
The alleged altercation comes amid ongoing tensions between Congress and BJP over the recent Enforcement Directorate (ED) raids on Congress-led state governments. Congress has accused BJP of political vendetta, while BJP has defended the raids as necessary to combat corruption.
Incident and Accusations
According to Congress, Dubey allegedly pushed and shoved Gandhi, who was speaking to the media in the Parliament complex. Dubey, on the other hand, denied any physical contact and accused Gandhi of abusing and threatening him.
Release of CCTV Footage
Congress leaders, including former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, have demanded the release of CCTV footage of the incident to clarify what transpired. Baghel also criticized Union Home Minister Amit Shah for his alleged "inflammatory" comments regarding Dalit icon B.R. Ambedkar.
BJP's Response
BJP has rubbished Congress's accusations and defended Dubey. The party has also countered with its own complaint against Gandhi, accusing him of unparliamentary behavior.
Concerns over Law and Order
Baghel expressed concerns over the law and order situation in Chhattisgarh under the BJP government. He alleged that the state had witnessed a rise in crime, including attacks on Dalits and minorities.
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