New Delhi, Aug 2026 : The Congress on Friday rallied behind Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi following a political controversy over his remarks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s foreign policy, with party leaders insisting that Gandhi had not mocked any foreign leader and was instead criticising what they described as the government’s style of diplomacy.
The controversy erupted after Gandhi addressed the Rachnatmak Congress National Convention in New Delhi on Thursday, where he took a swipe at the Modi government’s foreign policy. In a pointed reference to the Prime Minister’s interactions with foreign leaders, Gandhi suggested that his diplomatic approach was often associated with hugs and informal gestures.
The remarks drew criticism from the BJP, prompting Congress leaders to defend Gandhi and accuse the ruling party of unnecessarily escalating the issue.
Congress MP Pramod Tiwari, who attended the event, said Gandhi was simply making a political observation about India’s foreign policy and had not intended to ridicule anyone.
“Rahul Gandhi didn't mock anyone; he was just talking about our foreign policy,” Tiwari said.
He also referred to instances in which BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Modi, had made controversial political remarks about opposition leaders in the past. Tiwari cited Modi’s “Didi, O Didi” reference to former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and recalled the use of the term “Surpanakha” for Congress leader Renuka Chowdhury in Parliament.
Tiwari argued that the BJP should avoid turning an individual remark into a major political controversy, warning that the opposition could similarly raise questions about statements made by BJP leaders.
Congress MP Tariq Anwar sought to play down the controversy, saying Gandhi’s remarks should be viewed in the context in which they were made.
“There is no need to take it so seriously,” Anwar said, suggesting that Gandhi may have made the observation in a lighter vein.
Uttar Pradesh Congress president Ajay Rai also defended Gandhi, saying the Congress leader was making a broader point about the Prime Minister’s diplomatic style rather than targeting any individual foreign leader.
According to Rai, Gandhi had not named anyone and was merely highlighting what he sees as an excessive emphasis on personal gestures during the Prime Minister’s overseas engagements.
Congress MP Jebi Mather criticised the BJP’s response, arguing that the ruling party was giving disproportionate attention to Gandhi’s comments. She said that a single remark by Gandhi often prompted several BJP leaders to respond through press conferences and public statements.
Congress MP Sukhdeo Bhagat further clarified that Gandhi was not referring specifically to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Instead, he said, the Congress leader was commenting on what he considers the broader pattern of the Prime Minister’s foreign engagements, including handshakes, hugs and other public gestures.
Congress leader Udit Raj echoed the criticism, arguing that Gandhi was questioning whether such gestures should form a significant part of India’s diplomatic image.
The controversy comes amid continuing political differences between the Congress and BJP over foreign policy, particularly concerning India’s international engagements and the Prime Minister’s personal diplomacy.
While the BJP has criticised Gandhi’s remarks, the Congress has maintained that the comments were part of legitimate political criticism and should not be portrayed as an attack on any foreign leader. The dispute has once again highlighted the sharp political divide between the two parties over the manner in which India’s foreign policy is conducted and presented to the public.
(The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)
