RAHUL HUGS PM MODI

New Delhi, July 20: He is known for his hugs, but this was one hug Prime Minister Narendra Modi was not
expecting.
After a no holds barred and scathing criticism of PM Modi on several issues including Rafale jet deal today,
Congress president Rahul Gandhi walked across the green-carpeted well of Lok Sabha to Modi and hugged
him, a gesture which took the Treasury Bench members by surprise.
Gandhi's unexpected gesture, which quickly became a favoured video clip for television channels, came
during a debate on no-confidence motion moved by the TDP against the Modi government.
Gandhi's speech was frequently disrupted and prompting Speaker Sumitra Mahajan to adjourn the House for
15 minutes. When he resumed his speech, Gandhi continued his attack.
Just before wrapping up, he strode over to PM Modi for the now-famous hug.
The Prime Minister initially looked nonplussed and did not stand up to hug him, but recovered quickly and
called Gandhi back and patted him on the back. He also appeared to say a few words, which were inaudible.
BJP MPs sitting behind PM Modi watched the brief interaction open-mouthed as the Prime Minister smiled
at Gandhi as he walked back to his seat.
Sharply criticised for his reported remarks that "Congress is a Muslim party", Gandhi said, "Prime Minister
Modi, BJP and …have taught me what it means to be a Congress person, the meaning of being a real Indian,
and what it means to be a real Hindu. For this, I thank them."

He also said his opponents may hate him, call him "Pappu" but he has no anger, hatred against the Prime
Minister and the Bharatiya Janata Party.
This is likely the first time that an opposition leader has hugged the Prime Minister in the house, especially
during a no-confidence motion.
Terming Rahul Gandhi’s behaviour as “childish”, Union Minister Ananth Kumar said: “He has grown old but it
is unfortunate that he has not grown up. It is unfortunate that the president of Congress is so ill-informed
and immature.”
Akali Dal leader Harsimrat Kaur stood up and took objection to Gandhi's hug.
Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan also gently reminded Gandhi that this was the country's legislature and
not a place for such gestures.
BJP MP Kirron Kher called Rahul’s gesture as “drama”.
“Rahul Gandhi should be ashamed, he can't target our ministers without any proof. He was doing drama in
the house and hugging Modi ji. I think his next step will be Bollywood. We will have to send him there,” she
said.
Meanwhile, the BJP will move a privilege motion against Rahul Gandhi in Lok Sabha over the 'false
allegations' he made during his speech.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by The Kashmir Monitor staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)