HighLights
  1. BJP criticized Rahul Gandhi's 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' program.
  2. Controversy over comedian's act mocking PM Modi's mother.
  3. BJP leaders condemned Gandhi for endorsing 'disrespectful' content.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ programme in Indore on September 19 turned controversial after the BJP criticised a stage act involving stand-up comedian Pulkit Mani. The event, which focused on students’ concerns and their interaction with the Congress leader, was attended by students from Madhya Pradesh and other parts of the country.

A video from the programme later went viral on social media. In the clip shared by the Congress on X, Mani is seen performing on stage with the Congress leader and appearing to mimic Prime Minister Narendra Modi. BJP leaders alleged that the act also included remarks referring to PM Modi’s late mother, triggering criticism of both the comedian and Rahul Gandhi.

BJP Criticises Rahul Gandhi Over Stage Act

BJP national spokesperson CR Kesavan accused Gandhi of allowing the performance to take place and criticised what he described as inappropriate remarks about Modi’s mother. He said the episode was “uncouth” and “foul-mouthed” and questioned Rahul Gandhi’s presence during the performance.

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"No decent, right-thinking person would have found these foul-mouthed, third-rate antics amusing, but Rahul Gandhi was seen laughing aloud on the stage he was sharing with them. Such uncouth culture endorsed by Rahul Gandhi is the reason why he and the Congress have failed to resonate with the youth," Kesavan said.

"While Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, in a thoughtful gesture, ensured a chair for an aged elder, in sharp contrast, Rahul Gandhi was seen yesterday revelling when such elders were being shamelessly disrespected. Rahul Gandhi, who supports clowns and such crude circus shows, cannot be taken seriously as a political leader," the BJP spokesperson said.

Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi also attacked the Congress leader over the incident, alleging that the Congress leader had allowed the programme to become a platform for mocking Modi’s late mother. 

"Shameful and disgusting! Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party have stooped to an absolute nadir of moral bankruptcy. Weaponising a student interaction to mock and insult the late mother of PM Modi ji reveals a shocking lack of basic human empathy and political culture," Joshi said.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami also criticised the episode and said a mother should not be made a subject of political attacks. He also objected to remarks allegedly made about National Security Adviser Ajit Doval during the Indore programme.

Rahul Gandhi’s Student Outreach Programme

The Indore event was the fifth edition of Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ initiative and was held around the theme of “system versus students”. The programme featured interactions with students on issues including recruitment, competitive examinations, education infrastructure and employment.

ALSO READ: 'System Has Captured India, Doesn't Want Students To Ask Questions': Rahul Gandhi At 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' Event In Indore

During the interaction, Gandhi raised concerns over vacant posts, recruitment delays and alleged irregularities in examinations. Students also brought up issues linked to teacher recruitment, tribal hostels and higher education.

The programme had also drawn political attention before Gandhi’s arrival, with posters criticising the Congress leader appearing in parts of Indore. Congress and BJP leaders exchanged allegations over the campaign surrounding the event.


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