BJP Slams PM Modi Mimicry At Rahul Gandhi Event: ‘Mother Is Not A Subject Of Politics’

A fresh political row has erupted between the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party after a comedian’s performance at a Rahul Gandhi-led event in Indore referenced Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s interaction with an elderly woman.

The BJP accused the Congress leader of mocking the interaction during the “Chhatron Ki Goonj” event, after a video from the programme went viral.

In the video, stand-up comedian Pulkit Mani performs a short act that includes imitations of Modi’s mannerisms, his interactions with foreign leaders and references to his mother. Gandhi is seen laughing during the performance after the comedian refers to the interaction at a previous Modi rally.

The BJP shared the video on X and accused Gandhi of disrespecting an elderly woman.

“On one side, PM Modi gave respect and affection to an elderly mother, while on the other side, Rahul Gandhi mocked her at his event,” the BJP’s national account posted, describing it as a difference between what it called “politics of values” and “politics of showmanship.”

BJP Leaders Attack Rahul Gandhi

Several BJP leaders, including Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi, criticised Gandhi over the episode.

Joshi accused Gandhi and the Congress of showing a lack of empathy and political culture, while Dhami said political opposition should not involve remarks concerning a mother.

BJP spokesperson CR Kesavan also criticised the Congress MP for appearing on stage with people who, he alleged, had insulted women and an elderly person.

The BJP has framed the episode as an issue of respect and political conduct, while the Congress has not accepted the characterisation of the event as a deliberate insult by Gandhi.

What Happened At The Indore Event?

During Gandhi’s “Chhatron Ki Goonj” programme in Indore, comedian Pulkit Mani performed a satirical act.

The performance included impressions of Modi’s speaking style and mannerisms, along with references to the prime minister’s foreign policy, his interactions with international leaders, his mother and a coin trick he had performed with children.

Mani repeatedly used the phrase “my friend” while imitating Modi’s interactions with foreign leaders.

At one point, he said, “My friend, how are you?” Gandhi responded, “I’m fine, how are you, Modi ji?”

The performance also referred to the Galgotias controversy during the AI Summit earlier in the week and subsequently included a reference to the prime minister’s mother.

The episode has since triggered a political exchange between the BJP and Congress, with the BJP accusing Gandhi and his party of crossing a line and the Congress disputing the BJP’s interpretation of the performance.