'Foreign policy all about hugging?': Rahul Gandhi's jibe at Modi govt triggers row

Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, recently criticized the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government's approach to foreign policy, suggesting that it was all about hugging leaders. To illustrate his point, Gandhi hugged Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit, who inquired if Gandhi had mistakenly hugged him, thinking he was the Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni. Gandhi replied that he had not reached that level of familiarity yet.

The exchange led to a heated exchange with BJP leaders, who condemned Gandhi's "objectionable and indecent language." Addressing the Rachnatmak Congress National Convention, Gandhi reiterated that the current government believes foreign policy is about hugging leaders, comparing it to an "ignorant" notion. He accused the BJP and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh of being "jokers" with no understanding of India.

BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra called Gandhi's language "deteriorating" and deemed his remarks against Prime Minister Modi and Italy's Head of State as "shameful for any civilized democratic and political culture." Union education minister Pralhad Joshi accused Gandhi of insulting the Indian people by attacking the Prime Minister, stating that he should "grow up" and provide "mature leadership" instead of "amateur dramatics." However, there has been no official response from the government regarding Gandhi's allegations.