Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Aug 14: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday strongly criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his recent remarks about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s practice of hugging foreign leaders, calling the comments “shameful” and “indecent”.
Singh said Gandhi’s remarks were “petty and condemnable” and alleged that they had not only insulted the Prime Minister but also damaged India’s international prestige.
“I had never seen such indecent and unimaginable conduct from any Leader of the Opposition,” Singh said, according to ANI.
The Defence Minister said Gandhi had “not only insulted the Prime Minister but also the international prestige of India”.
“I cannot even imagine that someone with the Gandhi surname can make such a shameful remark,” Singh said.
Gandhi had made the remarks while addressing the Rachnatmak Congress national convention in New Delhi on Thursday. Taking a swipe at Modi’s diplomatic style, Gandhi questioned the Prime Minister’s practice of hugging foreign leaders during meetings.
“I don't know where he (PM Modi) got this idea from. Strange ideas get into people's heads. He thinks this is foreign policy,” Gandhi said before hugging Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit on stage.
Dikshit then joked, “You weren't hugging me thinking I was Meloni?” Gandhi replied, “I haven't reached that stage yet,” drawing laughter from the audience.
The remarks triggered a political controversy, with BJP leaders accusing Gandhi of making an inappropriate and immature comment.
Singh said that irrespective of any political differences or resentment Gandhi may have towards Modi, such remarks were unacceptable.
“Whatever resentment Rahul Gandhi ji may harbour in his heart toward the Prime Minister ji, such indecent remarks are utterly unacceptable,” Singh said.
He also defended Modi’s foreign policy record, saying the Prime Minister had enhanced India’s stature globally and contributed to the country’s vision of becoming a developed nation.
The External Affairs Ministry also reacted to the controversy, stressing the importance of maintaining respect while speaking about foreign leaders and countries.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India shared strong and friendly relations with Italy and wanted to further strengthen bilateral ties.
“We have good relations with Italy and wish to strengthen them further. Any point should be expressed respectfully,” Jaiswal said.
BJP leaders also stepped up their criticism of Gandhi. Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi questioned his political maturity and said insulting the Prime Minister amounted to insulting the electorate that had repeatedly voted for him.
BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj said Gandhi’s language was inconsistent with the dignity expected from the Leader of the Opposition, while BJP spokesperson Sanju Verma described the remark as “deplorable” and “despicable”.
The Congress, however, defended Gandhi, saying he had not mentioned Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni by name.
Congress spokesperson Shama Mohamed said there was “nothing wrong” with hugging a colleague and maintained that Gandhi’s comments were directed at Modi’s style of diplomacy rather than any foreign leader.
At the same convention, Gandhi also launched a broader attack on the BJP and RSS, calling them a “bunch of jokers” and alleging that the RSS had become an instrument of large corporate interests.
With both the BJP and Congress maintaining their positions, the controversy has added to the ongoing political confrontation between the two parties.