A major political controversy has erupted in the national capital following a series of opposition protests, with the ruling party leveling serious accusations against senior opposition figures. Bharatiya Janata Party leaders have claimed that Congress MP Rahul Gandhi shoved and mistreated a pregnant journalist during a protest march. The alleged incident took place on October 12 while demonstrations were underway across various parts of Delhi. The journalist, identified as Richa Parashar, is currently admitted to a hospital where she is receiving medical care and monitoring.
BJP Leaders Visit Hospital to Check on Journalist
BJP MLA Umang Bajaj stated publicly that he received information about the alleged mistreatment of the journalist around 10 PM. Upon receiving the news, Bajaj rushed to the hospital alongside fellow BJP leaders Pradeep Bhandari, Rajesh Bhatia, and local mandal presidents to meet Richa Parashar. After assessing her medical condition, the leaders facilitated her formal hospital admission to ensure she received proper care. The leaders strongly condemned the alleged incident, calling it an unacceptable assault on press freedom and women's safety.
Strong Condemnation Shared on Social Media
Following the disclosure of the incident, BJP leaders took to social media to voice their outrage. MLA Umang Bajaj posted online questioning how a public figure who frequently talks about dismantling patriarchy could behave in such a manner toward a female journalist simply doing her job. Bajaj expressed strong condemnation of the episode. Meanwhile, BJP leader Rajesh Bhatia shared further details, stating that between 8 PM and 8:30 PM, a young woman visited his Rajinder Nagar office seeking urgent assistance for her sister.
Family Approaches Party Office for Help
According to Rajesh Bhatia, the visitor explained that her sister is a journalist who is three months pregnant. She stated that while covering the protests near Jantar Mantar, her sister was shoved by Rahul Gandhi, resulting in physical injury. The family emphasized that the victim required immediate medical attention and care following the incident. This prompted the local party office to intervene, after which senior leaders took up the matter and ensured the journalist was safely admitted to a medical facility for treatment.
Video Footage and Social Media Claims
BJP leader Pradeep Bhandari shared a video on the social media platform X showing Richa Parashar lying on a hospital bed and recounting the events of the incident. The release of this footage intensified the political fallout. However, these allegations have not yet been independently verified. Neither Rahul Gandhi nor the Congress party has issued an official statement or response addressing the accusations.
Background of the Delhi Protest March
The alleged incident occurred amidst ongoing demonstrations in Delhi over several days demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. On Monday, opposition leaders and supporters took out a march toward the Supreme Court, labeled as a democracy march. The opposition organized the protest to highlight alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls and accusations of vote theft. The march was led jointly by Rahul Gandhi and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge.
Participation of Key Opposition Figures
The demonstration saw heavy participation from top opposition leaders representing the INDIA bloc. Alongside senior Congress figures, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav, and Communist Party of India leader D. Raja participated in the march. The opposition coalition has maintained persistent demands for the resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar and significant reforms in the country's electoral procedures.
Lack of Official Confirmation and Ongoing Investigation
As of now, neither local police authorities nor the hospital administration has released an official statement regarding the incident. Verification of the facts and further administrative inquiries remain pending. Meanwhile, a war of words continues between political factions, with the opposition criticizing electoral mechanisms while the ruling party attacks opposition conduct. Observers note that an independent investigation will be essential to clarify the facts surrounding the entire episode.
