Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Sep 20: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders have criticised Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi over a stage performance at his ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ event in Indore in which stand-up comedian Pulkit Mani mimicked Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The episode has triggered a political controversy between the BJP and Congress.

The performance took place on Saturday, September 19. Mani imitated Modi’s mannerisms and speaking style, including his conversational exchanges with foreign leaders. Rahul Gandhi was seen on stage during the performance and laughing at parts of the act.

BJP spokesperson CR Kesavan criticised the performance, describing it as “foul-mouthed antics” and alleging that Gandhi had endorsed an uncouth form of political discourse. He also accused Gandhi of insulting women over a reference in the skit involving an elderly woman.

The performance reportedly referred to an earlier public interaction involving Modi and an elderly woman at a BJP rally, where Modi had asked organisers to arrange a chair for her. The comedian incorporated the incident into the stage act while also mimicking Modi’s repeated use of the phrase “my friend” during interactions with foreign leaders.

Other BJP leaders also reacted to the episode. Union minister Kiren Rijiju accused the Congress of becoming a “party of comedians and jokers”, while Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and Union Minister Pralhad Joshi also criticised the performance.

The controversy follows Gandhi’s ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ programme in Indore, which focused on students and issues concerning education and youth. The Congress has shared material from the event through its official channels.