Tensions Erupt: Chaotic Clash Among Cong, AAP, and BJP Councillors at Chandigarh Municipal Meeting

A heated confrontation arose following a motion by Congress and AAP councillors, both national allies, calling for Shah’s resignation, igniting tensions between the parties and leading to a physical altercation.

On Tuesday, a meeting convened by the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation erupted into chaos as members from the Congress and BJP parties engaged in a physical confrontation. The conflict was instigated by comments made by Home Minister Amit Shah regarding Dr. BR Ambedkar, a significant figure in Indian history.

During this heated session, Congress and AAP councillors—who are aligned nationally—approved a motion calling for Shah's resignation, sparked by his remarks during a recent debate on the Constitution held in the Rajya Sabha. The atmosphere was charged, reflecting the simmering tensions between the two parties.

Footage of the brawl soon made its way onto social media platforms, illustrating the intensity of the scuffle. CCTV cameras positioned within the meeting area captured the conflict, showcasing councillors engaged in a physical altercation, much to the astonishment of viewers online.

In the midst of this tumult, some of the councillors appeared to acknowledge the cameras, yet this did little to curb their fervent actions. The confrontation provides a window into the rising discord among political factions in the region, taking the debate over Shah’s remarks to a new level of hostility.

Following Shah's comments, opposition parties have voiced strong accusations of disrespect towards Ambedkar, which the senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader has firmly denied. This issue has not only ignited debates in municipal meetings but has also reverberated through the halls of Parliament, where protests erupted on both Treasury and Opposition benches. The protests quickly escalated into a physical clash, resulting in injuries to two BJP Members of Parliament, Pratap Sarangi and Mukesh Rajput.

Members of the ruling BJP expressed their outrage at what they deemed insults directed towards Babasaheb Ambedkar, while MPs from the INDIA Bloc, led by Rahul Gandhi, rallied in opposition. Their demands included Shah’s resignation over his controversial remarks, which they believe undermine the legacy of Ambedkar.

In another dimension of the escalating tensions, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge reported an incident where he alleged he was physically confronted by BJP MPs while trying to enter the Parliament during the protests. This clash further highlights the divisive atmosphere permeating Indian politics today, particularly surrounding the legacy of prominent figures such as Ambedkar.

Adding to the discourse, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) leader Mayawati expressed her views, suggesting that the BJP and Congress are akin to "two sides of the same coin." She accused both parties of indulging in political maneuvering under the banner of Babasaheb Ambedkar, thus complicating the narrative surrounding his legacy.

The events in Chandigarh and the broader parliamentary discourse underscore a volatile political climate, where issues of respect and representation for historical figures like Ambedkar are intertwined with contemporary party politics. As tensions continue to mount, the implications for future political interactions remain to be seen, leaving many to ponder the nature of political engagement in the landscape of Indian democracy.