Capping a power-packed speech in which he attacked the government on multiple issues, from farmer distress to the Rafale jet deal, Congress president Rahul Gandhi today strode across the Lok Sabha to hug a surprised Narendra Modi in an extraordinary display of political gamesmanship during the no-trust debate.
Gandhi, who accused the government of lying to the nation, resorting to "jumla strikes" (gimmickry) and creating an unhealthy political debate, followed the hug with what appeared to be a wink, prompting a furious discussion about the appropriateness of his actions.
The optics of the day appeared to overshadow the words as the 48-year-old wrapped up his 20-minute speech by walking up to the prime minister, warmly shaking his hands and then bending down to give him a hug, taking almost everyone, including many in the treasury benches, by surprise.
The prime minister, who appeared to be flummoxed by Gandhi's gesture, called him back, shook his hands again and patted him while sporting a smile.
"This is what it means to be a Hindu," Gandhi said, sending out a subtle message to the ruling party, which has been accused of supporting radical outfits and elements involved in incidents of lynchings.
Sometimes forceful, sometimes smiling, Gandhi also used his speech from the Lok Sabha to reflect on the current political atmosphere, trying to convey that hatred and vitriol should not be part of the political discourse.
"You may think I have a lot of hatred for the BJP and Prime Minister Modi. But the truth is I am grateful to them. The BJP and the Modi-ji have helped me understand what it means to be with the Congress, what it means to be an Indian, what it means to be a Hindu and a devotee of Shiva," he said, amid noisy protests by BJP members.
Looking towards Modi, Gandhi added, "I have not an iota of hatred or hard feelings against you. You hate me, I maybe 'Pappu' for you. But I love you and respect you because I am the Congress."
Gandhi also tried to paint the RSS and BJP as agents of "anger and hatred"
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