‘Physical Proximity … Felt Extremely Uncomfortable,’ BJP MP Phangnon Konyak Accuses Rahul Gandhi of Misconduct

Phangnon Konyak: A serious allegation of misconduct has surfaced against Congress MP and Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi, with BJP Rajya Sabha MP Phangnon Konyak accusing him of making her feel extremely uncomfortable due to his physical proximity during a protest in Parliament. In a letter addressed to the Chairman of Rajya Sabha, Konyak has formally raised the issue, seeking protection and condemning Gandhi's behavior. The incident has escalated tensions between the BJP and Congress, with both parties engaging in a war of words over the matter.

BJP MP Phangnon Konyak Accuses Rahul Gandhi of Misbehavior

BJP MP Phangnon Konyak, representing Nagaland, shared her account of the incident. Speaking to news agency ANI, recounting that she was peacefully protesting when Rahul Gandhi came uncomfortably close to her. She said, "We were protesting peacefully. Leader of Opposition (Lok Sabha) Rahul Gandhi came in very close proximity. I also did not feel comfortable, then he started shouting. This is not done. He came in very close proximity, in a threatening pose. It is not that we cannot protect ourselves, but it is not the way. Whatever happened today was painful. A Member of Parliament gives respect to others. I have filed a complaint with the Chairman (Rajya Sabha)."

#WATCH | Delhi: BJP Rajya Sabha MP Phangnon Konyak says, "LoP Rahul Gandhi came close... I did not like it and he started shouting...Whatever happened today is very sad, this should not happen. We did not like the way they threatened...I have also complained to the Chairman..." https://t.co/d83HUvwQFl pic.twitter.com/oGtaja66le

— ANI (@ANI) December 19, 2024

Konyak further elaborated on the details of the incident in her formal complaint to the Chairman of Rajya Sabha. She wrote: "I was standing just below the staircase of Makar Dwaar with a placard in my hand. The Security Personnel had cordoned and created a passage to the entrance right for the movement of Hon’ble MPs of other parties. Suddenly, Leader of Opposition, Shri Rahul Gandhi Ji along with other Party Members came in front of me despite there being a passage created for them. He misbehaved with me in a loud voice, and his physical proximity to me was so close that I, being a lady member, felt extremely uncomfortable. I stepped aside with a heavy heart, denouncing my democratic rights but felt that no Member of Parliament should behave this way."

Phangnon Konyak’s letter goes on to emphasise that as a woman from the Scheduled Tribe (ST) community of Nagaland, her dignity and self-esteem were deeply hurt by Rahul Gandhi’s actions. She added: "I seek your protection, Hon'ble Chairman, sir, as my dignity has been violated by LoP, Shri Rahul Gandhi ji."

Backdrop: Protest Turns Ugly, BJP MP Pratap Sarangi Injured

The incident occurred amid an already charged atmosphere in Parliament. Earlier, BJP MP Pratap Sarangi sustained injuries during a protest by Congress MPs against Home Minister Amit Shah’s comments on Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. Sarangi alleged that Rahul Gandhi pushed another MP, causing them to fall on him, leading to his head injury. Sarangi was admitted to RML Hospital.

Following Sarangi’s injury, BJP leaders went to the Parliament Street Police Station to lodge a complaint against Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of physical assault.