Pushed pregnant journalist, grabbed DK by collar; Rahul Gandhi in dock after protest march video surfaces

NEW DELHI: Allegations came to the forefront about Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi using physical force against supporters and journalists during the 'INDIA' alliance's march to the Supreme Court held on Monday. The BJP accused Rahul Gandhi of shoving a pregnant journalist and behaving disrespectfully towards Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar; visuals of the incidents were also released.

Richa Parashar, a reporter for the online media outlet 'OneIndia', alleged that Rahul grabbed and pushed her down. She claimed that Rahul's security personnel also pushed her, causing her—as a woman three months pregnant—to fall and hit her abdomen. Parashar sustained injuries to her hands and knees and is currently undergoing treatment. She further alleged that her mobile phone was damaged.

In response, Congress leader Alka Lamba dismissed the claim as a fabricated story orchestrated in collusion with the BJP. The Congress retorted that Rahul had merely asked the journalist to step aside and accused BJP of exploiting the incident for political propaganda.

BJP reiterated that Rahul behaved disrespectfully towards Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar during the march. They also released a video showing Rahul moving forward through the crowd, grabbing Shivakumar by the collar, and pulling him back.

Karnataka BJP President B.Y. Vijayendra and others voiced criticism. The Congress responded by stating that the BJP is attempting to divert attention from the protest against Gyanesh Kumar.