# Rahul Gandhi New Delhi protest controversies

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/rahul-gandhi-new-delhi-protest-controversies
> Updated: 2026-10-13T05:11:56.000Z. Sources: 16. Developments: 2.

During an opposition protest in New Delhi, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi became the center of multiple controversies regarding his conduct and the actions of law enforcement.

Footage of the event appeared to show Gandhi pushing through a crowd and grabbing Karnataka Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar aside. While the BJP criticized the interaction as arrogant, Shivakumar defended Gandhi, stating the clip lacked context and that Gandhi had actually expressed concern for his safety.

Simultaneously, the BJP accused Gandhi of manhandling a pregnant journalist, Richa Parashar, during the demonstration. Gandhi, in turn, accused the Delhi Police of using excessive force against protesters, citing specific instances of physical injury to students. In response to the police crackdown, the Indian Youth Congress has filed a challenge in the Delhi High Court against the decision to denotify Jantar Mantar as a designated protest site.

## Claims

- The BJP claims the journalist sustained injuries and required hospital admission following the incident. (disputed by 3 sources)
- Medical complications related to the pregnancy necessitated hospital admission. (disputed by 3 sources)
- Journalist Richa Parashar alleges Rahul Gandhi grabbed her hand and pushed her during a protest. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Richa Parashar is in her first trimester of pregnancy. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Student protester Athira claims she lost hearing in one ear due to police action. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The incident caused Parashar to fall on the stairs of the Supreme Court. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- An NSUI functionary alleges she was assaulted and scratched by a female police constable. (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-13: Rahul Gandhi video controversy involving D. K. Shivakumar sparks political debate

A viral video of Rahul Gandhi pushing through a crowd in Delhi, involving Karnataka CM D. K. Shivakumar, has drawn criticism from the BJP, while Shivakumar defended Gandhi, citing safety concerns.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rahul-gandhi-video-controversy-involving-d-k-shivakumar-sparks-political-debate

### 2026-10-13: Rahul Gandhi faces allegations of pushing journalist and police brutality

Rahul Gandhi faces BJP allegations of pushing a pregnant journalist in Delhi, while simultaneously accusing police of brutality against student protesters, including one student who allegedly lost hearing.

14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rahul-gandhi-accused-of-pushing-pregnant-journalist-during-protest

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Cite as: Rahul Gandhi New Delhi protest controversies. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/rahul-gandhi-new-delhi-protest-controversies