The Indian Parliament was engulfed in turmoil today following contentious remarks by Home Minister Amit Shah concerning Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. The situation escalated into a physical confrontation, resulting in injuries to two Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Members of Parliament (MPs), including Pratap Chandra Sarangi.
Incident Overview
During a protest at Parliament’s Makar Dwar, tensions flared between the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the opposition Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc. BJP MP Pratap Chandra Sarangi alleged that he sustained a head injury after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi pushed another MP, who then collided with him. Sarangi was subsequently admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Delhi’s Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, where he received stitches for a deep cut on his head.
Rahul Gandhi refuted the allegations, asserting that BJP MPs were obstructing and threatening him as he attempted to enter Parliament. He emphasized his right to access the Parliament building without hindrance.
Who Is Pratap Chandra Sarangi?
Pratap Chandra Sarangi, born on January 4, 1955, in Gopinathpur, Odisha, is a prominent BJP politician who leads an austere lifestyle and dedicates himself to public service. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Utkal University, completed in 1975. Sarangi’s political journey includes serving as a Member of the Odisha Legislative Assembly from the Nilagiri constituency in 2004 and 2009. He won the 2019 Lok Sabha election from the Balasore constituency. He has also served as the Minister of State for Animal Husbandry, Dairying, and Fisheries, and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises.
Controversies
Sarangi’s past includes controversies, notably his alleged association with the Bajrang Dal during the 1999 murder of Australian missionary Graham Staines and his two sons in Odisha. While he denied involvement, the incident remains a significant aspect of his public life.
Current Status
As of the latest reports, Pratap Chandra Sarangi is receiving medical treatment for his injuries. The incident has intensified the ongoing confrontation between the BJP and Congress, with both parties demanding apologies and accountability. The uproar has led to the adjournment of the Parliament session, with the nation eagerly awaiting further developments in this political drama.
 Members of Parliament (MPs), including Pratap Chandra Sarangi.){kind=link}