BJP Rajya Sabha MP Phangnon Konyak on Thursday accused Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, of making her feel “uncomfortable” during a protest in Parliament.
In a letter addressed to Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar, Konyak alleged that Gandhi’s behavior had deeply hurt her “dignity and self-esteem” as a woman and a member of the Scheduled Tribe (ST) community.
She also sought the Chairman’s protection, describing the incident as inappropriate and undignified.
Konyak stated in her letter that the incident occurred while she was peacefully protesting in a peaceful protest against the atrocities committed by Congress Party against Hon’ble Dr. Baba Sahib Ambedkar.
“I was standing just below the staircase of Makar Dwaar with a placard in my hand…Suddenly, Leader of Opposition, Shri Rahul Gandhi Ji along-with other Congress members, came in front of me despite a separate passage being created for them,” she wrote. She further alleged that Gandhi misbehaved with her in a loud voice, adding, “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.”
Hibi Eden denies allegations against Rahul Gandhi
In a letter addressed to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Congress MP Hibi Eden refuted allegations made by BJP Rajya Sabha MP Phangnon Konyak against Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha.
Eden described Konyak’s claims as “an atrocious statement and blatant lie aimed at him [Rahul Gandhi].” In his letter, Eden stated, “I was present with the Hon’ble Leader of Opposition during the entire course of event and at no point of time Shri Rahul Gandhi Ji had ever come into proximity with the person who made the allegations.”
Phangnon Konyak had alleged that Rahul Gandhi made her uncomfortable during a protest in Parliament, claiming that his physical proximity was inappropriate. However, Eden strongly denied these accusations, asserting, “The allegation of Shri Rahul Gandhi being insensitive to the rights of women and Scheduled Tribes is yet another bogus claim and at no point did Shri Rahul Gandhi Ji said, acted or expressed any statement, act or word that proved anathemic to the complainant.”
Eden further claimed that the allegations were “entirely fabricated” and “a malicious attempt at belittling the integrity of the Hon’ble Leader of Opposition.” In his statement, he implored the Speaker to take note of his deposition, emphasizing, “I would like to state that my deposition be considered as a solemn statement.”