Rahul Gandhi surprises Modi with hug after sharp attack during no-confidence motion

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NEW DELHI, July 20, 2018 (BSS/PTI)- He is known for his hugs, but this was one hug Prime Minister Narendra Modi was not expecting.

After a no-holds barred scathing criticism of Modi on several issues including Rafale jet deal, Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Friday walked across the green-carpeted well of Lok Sabha to PM Modi and hugged him, a gesture which took the Treasury Bench members by surprise.

Rahul’s unexpected gesture, which quickly became a favoured video clip for television channels, came during a debate on no-confidence motion moved by the Telegu Desam Party against the Modi government.

Rahul’s speech was frequently disrupted prompting Speaker Sumitra Mahajan to adjourn the House for 15 minutes. When he resumed his speech, Rahul continued his attack. Just before wrapping up, he strode over to Modi for the hug.

Modi initially looked nonplussed and did not stand up to hug him, but recovered quickly and called Rahul back and patted him on the back. He also appeared to say a few words, which were inaudible. BJP members sitting behind Modi watched the brief interaction open-mouthed as the prime minister smiled at Rahul as he walked back to his seat.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi after hugging Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Lok Sabha after his speech during the debate on the no-confidence motion against the government on Friday.

“This is what it means to be a Hindu,” Rahul said after coming back to his seat amid applause from his party members, including his mother Sonia Gandhi and other leaders present who heartily thumped their desks.

Sharply criticised for his reported remarks that “Congress is a Muslim party”, Rahul said, “Prime Minister Modi, BJP and …have taught me what it means to be a Congress person, the meaning of being a real Indian, and what it means to be a real Hindu. For this, I thank them.”

He also said his opponents may hate him, call him “Pappu” but he has no anger, hatred against the Prime Minister and the Bharatiya Janata Party.

This is likely the first time that an opposition leader has hugged the prime minister in the house, especially during a no-confidence motion. Akali Dal leader Harsimrat Kaur stood up and took objection to Rahul’s hug.

Speaker Sumitra Mahajan also gently reminded Gandhi that this was the country’s legislature and not a place for such gestures.