I'm an ST and woman, felt uncomfortable around Rahul Gandhi, says Naga MP

A heated confrontation between political rivals outside Parliament has escalated into serious misconduct allegations, as BJP MP Phangnon Konyak from Nagaland filed a formal complaint against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday, December 19.

 

The Rajya Sabha member accused Gandhi of intimidating behaviour during simultaneous protests by both parties, stating he stood inappropriately close to her despite available space to pass.

 

"His physical proximity to me was so close that I, being a lady member, felt extremely uncomfortable," Konyak wrote in her complaint to Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar. The tribal leader emphasised that as a woman and ST community member, the incident deeply affected her dignity.

 

Dhankhar confirmed receiving the complaint and indicated immediate attention to the matter. "The woman MP came to me crying. She was in a state of shock," he stated, addressing the serious nature of the allegations.

 

The incident occurred amid chaotic scenes outside Parliament where both the BJP-led NDA and Congress-led INDIA bloc were protesting over BR Ambedkar-related remarks. During the confrontation, multiple lawmakers reported injuries. The BJP claims one of their MPs was hurt after Gandhi allegedly pushed another member, while Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge reported knee injuries from being pushed by BJP MPs.

 

Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, Konyak elaborated on the encounter: "It is not that I cannot defend myself, but still, it is very unbecoming, so I did not retaliate. No lady member, especially someone like me, an ST lady member, should be made to feel this way."

 

BJP has announced plans to file a police complaint against Gandhi over the incident.