BJP MP Nishikant Dubey has hit back at Rahul Gandhi after the Congress leader criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s style of engaging with foreign leaders.
Dubey shared photographs of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi with Cuban revolutionary Fidel Castro and Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat. He also posted a picture of Rahul Gandhi hugging PM Modi in Parliament, using the images to question Gandhi’s criticism.
The controversy began after Rahul Gandhi, speaking at the Rachnatmak Congress national convention, questioned the idea that foreign policy was about hugging world leaders. He demonstrated his point by hugging Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit on stage.
The remarks triggered a strong reaction from BJP leaders. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi accused Gandhi of disrespecting the Prime Minister and the voters who elected him. BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj also criticised the comments, saying they were inappropriate for the Leader of the Opposition.
BJP Mahila Morcha president Vanathi Srinivasan said political criticism should not become personal or vulgar.
The exchange has added another sharp chapter to the ongoing political battle between the BJP and Congress, with both sides using public statements and social media to challenge each other.