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What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
NEW DELHI: Amidst a charged atmosphere in parliament, marked by impassioned speeches and spirited chants of ‘Rahul-Rahul’ by Congress and ‘Modi-Modi’ by BJP members, an incident involving Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s alleged gesture has spurred controversy. As proceedings unfolded on Wednesday, with Gandhi back in his parliamentary role, a sequence of events drew attention. During a speech by Union minister Smriti Irani, it is purported that Rahul Gandhi directed a flying kiss towards BJP women MPs. Though a clear video of the incident remains elusive, the episode has prompted BJP to register their protest.
Union minister Shobha Karandlaje, a prominent figure within the BJP, promptly lodged a complaint with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, deeming Rahul Gandhi’s behavior as ‘indecent’ and ‘inappropriate’. A letter, undersigned by 21 women BJP MPs and accessed by The New Indian, called for robust action against what they perceive as an unacceptable display.
“Respected Speaker Sir, I would like to draw your attention towards the incident in the House by Mr. Rahul Gandhi, MP from Wayanad, Kerala. The said member has behaved in an indecent manner and made inappropriate gestures towards Smriti Zubin Irani, Union minister and Member of this House while she was addressing the House. We demand stringent action against such behavior by the Member, which has not only insulted the dignity of women members in the House, it has also brought disrepute and lowered the dignity of this august House,” Karandlaje’s letter states.
Union minister Smriti Irani decried Rahul Gandhi’s actions as ‘misogynistic’ and ‘disgusting’, stating, “Only a misogynistic man can give a flying kiss to women MPs in Parliament. Such an instance was never witnessed before. This shows what he thinks of women. This is obscene.” Union Minister Darshana Jardosh also expressed discontent, highlighting the contrast in behavior, “This is the temple of our democracy. When PM Modi entered, he bowed down in respect. In stark contrast, this individual chose to express himself with a flying kiss as he exited. Such conduct is at odds with our cultural ethos. We shall not tolerate such actions within the hallowed halls of parliament.”
In a parallel response, Shiv Sena MP Priyanka Chaturvedi provided a different perspective. “I was at the visitors’ gallery and he (Rahul Gandhi) did it as a gesture of affection. They (BJP) can’t accept love. What is your problem with it? Your habitual hatred blinds you to any gesture of love or affection. Rahul Gandhi was disqualified as an MP and evicted from his residence. He returned after prevailing in his legal battles. Yet, he refrains from engaging with you due to his resentment. If you have an issue, it is your own problem, not anyone else’s.”
