The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has launched a sharp attack on Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, after a stand-up comedian mimicked Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a Congress student event in Indore. The performance by comedian Pulkit Mani took place at the Congress’s ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ programme on Saturday, where Gandhi was also present on stage. The act, which included references to PM Modi’s mannerisms, speaking style and interactions with foreign leaders, has triggered a political row, with BJP leaders accusing the Congress of crossing the line.
The BJP linked the controversy to the recent Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) elections, where the RSS-affiliated ABVP won three of the four central panel posts. Independent candidate Deepanshu Shokeen, who had been denied an NSUI ticket, won the vice-president’s post. Earlier reporting noted: ‘Cheap theatre’ vs ‘democratic right’: BJP, Opposition spar over PM Modi’s mimicry at Rahul Gandhi event A war of words broke out between BJP leaders and leaders of several opposition parties over the mimicry of Prime Minister Narendra Modi during Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ event in Madhya Pradesh’s Indore on Saturday.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju hit out at the Congress in a post on X, saying: “Congress Party has become a Party of Comedians & Jokers! They are out forever…. RIP. “This uncouth culture endorsed by Rahul Gandhi explains why he has failed to connect or resonate with the youth, as pointed out by his Congress colleague, Mr. Shashi Tharoor,” Kesavan wrote on X. In a post on X, he wrote, “The irony writes itself. The need to come on stage every now and then just to drag Prime Minister Modi ji’s name into cheap political theatre never fails to amaze me.”
BJP spokesperson CR Kesavan described the performance as “foul-mouthed antics” by “cheap, vulgar trolls” and said no decent and right-thinking person would find it amusing. He further said, “Rahul Gandhi, who supports such clowns and crude circus shows, lacks both the gravity and gravitas to be taken seriously as a political leader. Kesavan also alleged that Gandhi had insulted “Naari Shakti” by participating in a skit that mocked a frail elderly woman. Earlier reporting noted: While several BJP leaders called it a “cheap political theatre” and suggested that Gandhi should “become a stand-up comedian”, opposition leaders from the Congress , AAP and TMC rallied in his support. Earlier reporting noted: Union minister Piyush Goyal criticised Gandhi’s act, describing it as “cheap political theatre”.
Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi also criticised Gandhi and the Congress, alleging that the performance was intended to mock Prime Minister Modi’s late mother.
This prince of the Congress has fallen victim to mental bankruptcy, and this has once again made it clear to the whole country on his own,” she said.
“By laughing at the insult to a mother, Rahul Gandhi has laid bare his political upbringing before the entire nation.
