A political dispute erupted on October 13, 2026, after journalist Richa Parashar claimed that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi grabbed and pulled her during an opposition protest in New Delhi a day earlier. Parashar, who said she was three months pregnant, was admitted to the hospital after the incident.
The BJP has strongly criticized Gandhi for his conduct and his public statements in relation to women's rights and patriarchy. The Congress has dismissed the accusations, describing them as politically motivated and questioning the circumstances of the incident.
The competing claims have fueled debate about the treatment of journalists covering political protests and the need to establish facts before drawing conclusions.
What happened at the October 12 protest?
According to media reports, the episode occurred on October 12, 2026, when opposition parties protested in Delhi over SIR of electoral rolls and asked for action against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Richa Parashar, a journalist associated with Oneindia, was covering the demonstration near the Supreme Court premises. Her claim was that she approached Gandhi with her microphone to get his response while he was surrounded by journalists and supporters.
Gandhi grabbed her hand and pulled her forward. She also claimed that security personnel pushed her away amid the crowd, causing her to fall on steps.
Parashar said she suffered pain and injuries and was admitted to a hospital. The accounts she gives are based on her accounts and the media reporting, and there’s no independent evidence to show that Gandhi deliberately assaulted her.
Journalist Recounts Her Experience From Hospital
Parashar described the incident as frightening to reporters from her hospital bed. The sudden movement and pushing caused her to fall and her camera operator was also caught up in the commotion, she said.
She said her phone was damaged and her microphone equipment was dislodged during the incident.
Her account had generated a large amount of attention because she claimed she was three months pregnant. The claim raised questions about journalists’ safety working in crowded political demonstrations.
However, the exact sequence and the reason for the injuries are still disputed. A comprehensive assessment would need to be made from all the footage and the testimony of witnesses and any medical or official information.
BJP Targets Rahul Gandhi Over the Allegation
BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari also publicised the allegations and criticised Gandhi’s conduct. BJP leaders also questioned how the incident matched Gandhi’s public statements on opposing patriarchy and protecting women’s rights.
The party was determined to use the controversy to criticize the Congress leader politically because public figures have to be held accountable for their conduct.
The allegations have also fuelled discussions on social media, where supporters and critics of the two parties have offered competing interpretations of the available footage.
Political statements should not be taken to be independent proofs of what happened.
3 month pregnant Female journalist Richa Parashar was thrashed by Rahul Gandhi when she was covering her protest! Female journalist is admitted in the hospital, and she recounts the horrror! Every person should listen to this horror to know how big a goon Rahul Gandhi is& how hollow is his slogan Smash The Patriachy!
— Pradeep Bhandari(प्रदीप भंडारी)🇮🇳 (@pradip103) October 12, 2026
A three-month-pregnant journalist, Richa Parashar, was allegedly manhandled by Rahul Gandhi while covering his protest! First, a female police officer was reportedly pushed, and now a woman journalist faces similar allegations. Why does Rahul Gandhi keep finding himself at the centre of such controversies involving women?
— Kausar Jahan (@Kausarjahan213) October 13, 2026 Congress Denies the Allegations
Congress leaders rejected the accusation and questioned the timeline and circumstances described in reports. Party representatives and supporters argued that circulating visuals did not clearly establish that Gandhi had pushed Parashar as alleged.
The Congress also raised questions about the circumstances of her hospital visit. These counterclaims remain part of the political dispute and should be evaluated alongside the journalist's account and any independently verified evidence.
No conclusion about individual responsibility is to be drawn from partisan statements or incomplete video clips.
Why the Incident Matters
The controversy highlights the risks journalists face when covering crowded political events. Reporters and camera operators need safe access to public figures so they can perform their duties without intimidation or physical interference.
It is also a reminder that transparent fact-finding is required when allegations of high-ranking political leaders are involved. Verified footage, independent witnesses, and official findings can help to establish what happened.
The situation of Richa Parashar is still disputed in India and the BJP and Congress are in a political tussle over it. What happened during the protest, how the journalist sustained her reported injuries, and whether more evidence can be provided to clarify responsibility is up for discussion.
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