A Déjà Vu: From Rahul’s ‘Hug’ and ‘Wink’ in 2018 to ‘Flying Kiss’ in 2023

New Delhi: Prominent BJP leaders and women MPs have criticized Rahul Gandhi for allegedly making an inappropriate “flying kiss” gesture towards the Treasury Benches in the Lok Sabha. The gesture allegedly followed Gandhi’s speech during an ongoing no-confidence motion against the Narendra Modi government regarding the Manipur issue.

Women and Child Development Minister Smriti Irani condemned Gandhi’s actions, deeming them “undignified and misogynistic.” A group of BJP MPs, led by Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje, has filed a complaint with Speaker Om Birla, labelling Gandhi’s behaviour as “indecent.” They are calling for appropriate action against Gandhi, who recently returned to the Lok Sabha after his membership was reinstated.

The incident draws parallels with Gandhi’s past actions in 2018, during the previous no-confidence motion against the Modi government. Back then, Gandhi’s hug and wink towards fellow Congress parliamentarian Jyotiraditya Scindia had shifted attention away from the core issue at hand, similar to the current situation.

In 2018, Gandhi’s hug was seen as a politically calculated move and was met with applause from the opposition. However, the ruling BJP interpreted the wink as a contrived gesture rather than a sincere one. Prime Minister Narendra Modi even remarked humorously on this, referring to the “mischief of the eyes” displayed by Gandhi.

The recent incident involving the alleged flying kiss gesture has again diverted focus from the primary issue. The no-confidence motion, brought forward by Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi, centred on the Manipur issue and garnered support from over 50 opposition MPs. This motion was admitted by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on July 26.

In both instances, Gandhi’s actions have managed to draw attention away from the substantive matters being debated in the House, echoing the sentiment that decorum and attention to the core issues must be maintained in parliamentary proceedings.