After sharp attack on PM Narendra Modi, Rahul Gandhi’s hug and a wink | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

After sharp attack on PM Narendra Modi, Rahul Gandhi’s hug and a wink

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | By
Jul 20, 2018 05:18 PM IST

Congress president Rahul Gandhi targeted the NDA government and accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of facilitating monetary benefits for “his businessmen friends”, then went on to surprise everybody by hugging Modi.

Rahul Gandhi made an aggressive attack on the BJP-led central government during a debate on a no-confidence motion in the Lok Sabha today, peppering his hour-long speech with constant barbs at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who, he alleged, “cannot look me in the eye.” PM Modi smiled and looked straight at Gandhi.

Congress Rahul Gandhi hugs PM Narendra Modi at the end of the his speech during the no-confidence motion debate in Lok Sabha on Friday.(PTI)
Congress Rahul Gandhi hugs PM Narendra Modi at the end of the his speech during the no-confidence motion debate in Lok Sabha on Friday.(PTI)

Modi was also seen laughing during Gandhi’s speech, which was interrupted by the protests of an angry treasury bench, leading to an eight-minute adjournment of the house, the first today. Gandhi ended his speech by saying, “I have not an iota of hatred or hard feelings against you. You hate me, I may be Pappu for you. But I love you and respect you because I am the Congress.” He then walked over to the Prime Minister and hugged him.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Modi, clearly taken aback initially, called Gandhi back and shook hands with him, also patting the 48-year-old Congress chief on his back. The two leaders exchanged a few words.

Gandhi spoke third in the debate, supporting the no-confidence motion against the Modi government moved by the BJP’s recently estranged ally, the Telugu Desam Party. The TDP, he said, is “a victim of the BJP’s political weapon called ‘jumla (gimmick) strike’.”

The Congress leader brought up demonetisation, GST, farmer issues and also spoke at length about the Rafale deal, alleging, “Rafale (fighter aircraft) cost 520 crore during UPA rule. Don’t know whom Modi spoke to, but by magic the price went up to 1,600 crore. Defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman cited a secrecy pact to not reveal the price. I met the French President and he said that there is no such pact of secrecy. He said you can say this to India. Under Modi’s pressure, Nirmala Sitharaman has said untruth.”

An angry Sitharaman wanted to reply and Sumitra Mahajan assured her that she would be given a chance to speak as soon as Gandhi’s speech was over.

Amid loud protests, Gandhi also said, “Everyone understands the relationship PM has with certain people. Everyone can see, the amount of money that goes into PM’s publicity. One of those people was given Rafale contract. The contract was taken away from HAL. The gentleman benefited 45,000 crore. PM must say, why contract taken away from HAL. Why was a businessman favoured?”

Attacking Modi over foreign policy, Gandhi referred to the Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Ahmedabad in September 2014, alleging, “The PM and the Chinese president sat on a swing on the banks of the river. The Chinese president goes back and the Chinese troops come to Doklam. After a few months, Modi goes to China for talks without any agenda but bypasses the Doklam issue.”

He also accused the Prime Minister of waiving off loans worth Rs 2.5 lakh crore for big industrialists. “But he can’t waive off farmer’s loans because they don’t wear suit and boot even though they have given votes to the PM,” he said.

Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to reply to the debate at 6 pm today. His government has the numbers to defeat with ease, the first no-confidence motion his four-year-old government has faced, but the BJP, which leads the ruling National Democratic Alliance wants to win two thirds of the vote in a show of strength.

Unveiling Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on India News, Election 2024, Mukhtar Ansari Death News Live, Bihar Board 10th Result 2024 Live along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On