NEW DELHI — A major political controversy has erupted following Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s appearance at the ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ youth interaction in Indore, drawing fierce condemnation from senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders.
The opposition leader faced intense backlash for sharing the stage with standup comedian Pulkit Mani in a comedic act that critics say mocked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and insulted his late mother.
Key Criticisms & Senior BJP Responses
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CR Kesavan (BJP Spokesperson): Termed the stage routine “uncouth” and “foul-mouthed,” alleging that Gandhi endorsed antics that disrespected elderly women and attributing Congress’s recent loss in the DUSU elections to this political style.
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Pralhad Joshi (Union Minister): Accused the Congress leadership of reaching a “nadir of moral bankruptcy,” stating that exploiting a student forum to mock the Prime Minister’s family demonstrated a lack of basic empathy.
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Pushkar Singh Dhami (Uttarakhand Chief Minister): Denounced the language used as a “stain on the dignity of Indian politics,” arguing that family members should remain outside political discourse.
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Kiren Rijiju (Union Minister): Reacted on social media, describing the event as reflective of Congress transforming into a “party of comedians.”
Context of the Performance
During the stage routine, Gandhi and Mani used voice mimicry and satirical gestures to criticize the ruling government’s international diplomacy. Responding to the routine, Gandhi stated that the office of the Prime Minister demands prioritizing national security and strategic interests over personal friendships during foreign visits.
