New Delhi: Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi’s remarks at a recent party event have triggered a fresh political confrontation, with the BJP and NDA allies criticising his manner of attacking Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s foreign policy.
During his address, Gandhi appeared to imitate Modi while questioning the government’s approach to international diplomacy. He then walked towards Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit and hugged him, using the gesture to question whether embracing foreign leaders could be considered the measure of a country’s foreign policy. The episode quickly became a talking point on social media and drew sharp reactions from the ruling alliance.
Gandhi argued that foreign policy should extend beyond personal equations with world leaders. Referring to India’s relationships with Iran, the United States and Russia, he said India had an opportunity to play a more active role in easing international tensions but had failed to make full use of its diplomatic position. He also alleged that Pakistan had subsequently occupied the space India could have taken.
The Congress leader also targeted the government over relations with China and the situation along the India-China border. Gandhi alleged that restrictions had been placed on Indian soldiers’ patrolling and questioned the government’s handling of the issue. He referred to the Galwan Valley episode and reiterated his criticism of the government’s earlier statements concerning the absence of Chinese occupation of Indian territory. These remain political allegations by Gandhi, which the government and BJP have disputed on various occasions.
Gandhi further claimed that he regularly receives information from within the Prime Minister’s Office, although he did not identify the source or explain how such information was allegedly communicated to him. He also spoke about what he described as dissatisfaction within sections of the system.
Turning to domestic politics, Gandhi launched a strong attack on Prime Minister Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. He said the opposition would continue its campaign against the government and claimed that political pressure would continue until the two leaders stepped down. He also questioned Shah’s role and parliamentary presence while referring to the political comparisons sometimes made between Shah and historical figures such as Chanakya and Sardar Patel.
Gandhi also referred to student protests and demonstrations outside the Prime Minister’s residence. He claimed that a police officer had asked him to leave the area during one such protest. He additionally spoke about conversations he said he had had with journalists, claiming that some privately expressed concerns about developments in the country but avoided speaking publicly because of professional and family pressures.
The remarks prompted a strong response from BJP leaders. BJP MP Nishikant Dubey criticised Gandhi’s comments and his conduct on stage. BJP leaders also circulated old photographs and videos involving former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and foreign leaders while defending the tradition of diplomatic engagement. Former Union minister Smriti Irani also took an indirect swipe at Gandhi on social media, while BJP national general secretary Vinod Tawde criticised what he described as inappropriate political language.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami also objected to Gandhi’s remarks, saying that the Congress leader’s language was becoming increasingly unacceptable. Dhami stressed that political disagreement was legitimate but argued that criticism of constitutional office-holders should remain within the bounds of public decorum.
NDA leaders from Bihar also joined the criticism. JD(U) leader Sanjay Kumar Jha accused Gandhi of crossing the limits of political propriety. Union Minister Chirag Paswan said that while the opposition had every right to question the government, personal remarks and disrespectful language should not become part of political discourse. He emphasised that democratic debate should be based on arguments, dialogue and competing ideas.
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi similarly criticised Gandhi’s approach, describing his remarks as a reflection of frustration and asserting that criticism of the Prime Minister should still respect the dignity associated with constitutional offices.
The controversy, however, goes beyond the widely circulated image of Gandhi hugging a fellow Congress leader. His speech touched on India’s foreign policy, relations with Iran and China, border security, Parliament, the Prime Minister’s Office, the role of the Home Minister, student protests and freedom of expression.
While the BJP and NDA have focused on Gandhi’s language and conduct, the Congress has presented his remarks as part of its broader political criticism of the government’s foreign policy and approach to social and democratic issues. The episode has once again highlighted the growing contest between the government and opposition over both substantive policy questions and the tone of political debate.
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