PATNA: The mega Opposition meet in Patna on Friday turned into a hilarious family reunion with amusing moments of anxious uncles and aunts nudging the younger generation to tie the knot, when RJD supremo Lalu Yadav cheekily voiced his worries about Rahul Gandhi’s “single status” amidst the presence of top leaders from the anti-BJP camp.
With a touch of endearing avuncular affection, RJD supremo Yadav, whose own son and Deputy CM of Bihar Tejaswi Yadav was recently blessed with a daughter, playfully urged the 53-year-old Congress leader, saying, “It’s time to get married. Your Lok Sabha contributions and Bharat Jodo Yatra were impressive. Now trim that beard and fulfill your mother’s request.”
Bihar Chief Minister and host of the show Nitish Kumar, acting like the perfect supportive ally, joined the banter. Rahul Gandhi blushed and, respecting the senior leaders’ intervention in his personal choices, stated that he wasn’t averse to getting married. In response, Yadav remarked that it was never too late to get hitched.
Opposition All Party Meet in Patna: Lalu Prasad Yadav tells Rahul Gandhi, “Your mom wants you to tie the knot! She has asked me to convince you.”
He suggests trimming the long beard too.
Fun-filled moments and camaraderie all around! #OppositionMeet #Patna pic.twitter.com/4K0frTxQBb
— The New Indian (@TheNewIndian_in) June 23, 2023
Expressing his appreciation, Rahul Gandhi showered compliments on the Bihari delicacies served during the meet. “Thanks to Nitish Kumar for feeding us litti choka and gulab jamun,” he said.
Amidst the serious discussions and strategic planning for the upcoming 2024 elections, the incident brought a much-needed moment of laughter and levity to the gathering of the “like-minded” fifteen Opposition parties. As they aimed to form a formidable force to halt the BJP’s political dominance, this lighthearted episode served as a refreshing break.
Let’s take a look at what key leaders had to say during the press conference that followed the three-hour meeting.
Mamata Banerjee, Bengal Chief Minister and TMC Leader: “We’re not just the Opposition; we’re Indian citizens too. Our hearts ache for Manipur. United against BJP’s dictatorship.”
All Party Meet in Patna: 💪 Mamata Banerjee, West Bengal CM, asserts, “We’re not just the Opposition; we’re Indian citizens too. Our hearts ache for Manipur. United against BJP’s dictatorship.” #OppositionMeet pic.twitter.com/aFRnRhwfSR
— The New Indian (@TheNewIndian_in) June 23, 2023
Omar Abdullah, NC leader – “PM talks democracy in the US, but why doesn’t it reach Jammu and Kashmir? Want Article 370 restored”
All Party Meet in Patna: Omar Abdullah, National Conference leader, questions: “PM talks democracy in the US, but why doesn’t it reach Jammu and Kashmir?” #OppositionMeet
Report Joymala Bagchi and Alok Singh pic.twitter.com/6wdHq5383b
— The New Indian (@TheNewIndian_in) June 23, 2023
Rahul Gandhi, Congress leader- “India’s foundations being attacked, India’s institutions being attacked by BJP and RSS. This is a fight of ideologies. We will work together, and we will work with flexibility,” he said.
All Party Meet in Patna| 🤝 Rahul Gandhi expresses gratitude to Bihar CM Nitish Kumar for hosting and treating everyone to delicious state’s delicacies.
“We will work together, and we will work with flexibility,” he said. pic.twitter.com/JcDiBA5jSP
— The New Indian (@TheNewIndian_in) June 23, 2023
Uddhav Thackeray, Sena (Uddhav Faction), and former Maharashtra CM: We have different ideologies, but we have come together to save the diversity and integrity of the country.
Former Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray speaks at Patna opposition meeting: “Despite differing ideologies, we unite to preserve our country’s diversity and integrity.” #OppositionMeet pic.twitter.com/mk2Z3JtAXZ
— The New Indian (@TheNewIndian_in) June 23, 2023