Rahul Gandhi Event Row: PM Modi Mimicry Triggers BJP Criticism and Social Media Debate

A political controversy has erupted after a stage performance at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ event in Indore. During the September 19 programme, stand-up comedian Pulkit Mani appeared on stage with Gandhi and mimicked Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speaking style and mannerisms. The performance has now led to a war of words between the BJP and opposition parties.

The BJP strongly criticised the act. Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the Congress had become a “party of comedians and jokers”. BJP spokesperson CR Kesavan also attacked the performance, calling it inappropriate and alleging that it crossed the limits of political criticism.

Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi and Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami also objected to a portion of the performance involving an elderly woman. BJP leaders alleged that the act mocked an earlier interaction involving Prime Minister Modi and his late mother. They said political criticism should not involve personal references to family members.

The controversy also drew comments from other political parties. Congress leader Raashid Alvi defended the performance, describing it as mimicry and arguing that political leaders can be criticised through humour. TMC MP Mahua Moitra also said that political satire and the right to lampoon leaders are part of democratic debate. AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj pointed to earlier remarks made by BJP leaders against opposition politicians and their families.

The issue has also become a talking point on social media. The screenshots shared online show several users mocking the BJP's reaction and questioning why the controversy was receiving so much attention. Some users described the performance as political satire, while others criticised the act and Rahul Gandhi's presence on stage.

The row comes at a time when Rahul Gandhi's Indore event was focused on students and youth issues. The controversy over the comedian's performance has now overshadowed parts of the programme and triggered another round of political exchanges between the BJP and Congress.