New Delhi, 13 October (H.S.): The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of allegedly manhandling a woman journalist during a protest. Pradeep Bhandari, the BJP’s national co-media in-charge, claimed that Gandhi grabbed and pulled the journalist, identified as Richa, while she was covering the demonstration, causing her to fall to the ground. He further alleged that her condition subsequently deteriorated, necessitating hospitalisation.

Pradeep Bhandari criticised Rahul Gandhi and the Congress on social media over the alleged incident. He said the journalist was merely reporting on the protest and had not even asked Gandhi any questions. Despite this, she was allegedly subjected to such treatment, which he described as a serious matter.

According to Pradeep Bhandari, BJP leaders visited the journalist at the hospital. He claimed that during their interaction, she alleged that Gandhi had grabbed her by the shoulder and pulled her, causing her to fall. Bhandari further alleged that no Congress worker came forward to assist the journalist at the time of the incident and that, instead, attempts were made to question her.

Referring to Rahul Gandhi’s public statements on women's dignity and his opposition to patriarchy, the BJP leader alleged a contradiction between the Congress leader’s stated positions and his purported conduct. He questioned the Congress leadership over the incident and emphasised that the dignity of women and the safety of journalists must be treated seriously in public life.

Pradeep Bhandari also referred to Gandhi’s alleged conduct towards Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, claiming that the Congress leader had pushed him backwards as well. However, these allegations require independent verification.

The BJP leader also invoked Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s widely known slogan, “Ladki Hoon, Lad Sakti Hoon” (I am a woman, and I can fight), and demanded that the Congress clarify its position on women's dignity in light of the alleged incident.

Pradeep Bhandari said political parties must take responsibility for ensuring respect for women and the safety of journalists. He also wished the injured journalist a speedy recovery and expressed hope that she would soon return to her professional duties.

The allegations have brought the conduct of political leaders towards journalists into focus. However, the claims made by the BJP leader have not been independently verified, and no conclusion regarding the alleged incident can be drawn solely from these statements.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar