Indore: Congress MP Rahul Gandhi’s imitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the party’s ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ programme in Indore on Saturday has triggered sharp criticism from BJP leaders.
Gandhi appeared on stage alongside stand-up comedian Pulkit Mani, with the two exchanging remarks and gestures that were interpreted as a mockery of the prime minister. Gandhi also imitated Modi’s voice while attacking the government’s approach to diplomacy.
My friend!! Great Harassment!! 🤣 pic.twitter.com/PqetUPxUWp
— Congress (@INCIndia) September 19, 2026
Gandhi targets Modi government’s foreign policy
Speaking about India’s relations with other countries, Gandhi argued that the prime minister’s responsibility was not merely to maintain personal friendships with foreign leaders but to safeguard India’s interests.
While making the point, he switched to an imitation of Modi’s voice, drawing attention from the audience and subsequently prompting criticism from BJP leaders.
The Chhatron Ki Goonj programme was centred on student concerns, education and employment. Gandhi used the platform to criticise the Modi government’s policies and its broader political and diplomatic approach.
Event faced controversy before it began
The Indore programme had already run into controversy before Gandhi took the stage.
Congress had initially planned to hold the event at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, but the venue was later changed after permission to use the stadium was not granted.
Police subsequently imposed 31 security-related conditions for the programme. The security document reportedly referred to findings of the Justice J.S. Verma Commission concerning security lapses surrounding the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.
The latest controversy over Gandhi’s remarks and mimicry has now added another political flashpoint to the Indore event.
‘Insult to Women’: BJP Slams Rahul Gandhi
The BJP has sharply criticised Congress MP Rahul Gandhi over his remarks and mimicry at the ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ event in Indore, alleging that the episode crossed political and personal boundaries.
BJP national spokesperson CR Kesavan accused Gandhi of insulting women by mocking what he described as a “frail mother”. In a video statement, Kesavan called the act “uncouth” and said Gandhi’s participation and laughter reflected a lack of political decorum.
Shameful and disgusting! Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party have stooped to an absolute nadir of moral bankruptcy. Weaponising a student interaction to mock and insult the late mother of PM Shri @narendramodi ji reveals a shocking lack of basic human empathy and political… https://t.co/hkyliBuYMy
— Pralhad Joshi (@JoshiPralhad) September 19, 2026
Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi also attacked Gandhi, accusing him and the Congress of “moral bankruptcy”. He alleged that using a student interaction to mock Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s late mother showed a lack of basic human empathy and political culture.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami too criticised Gandhi, saying his language was worsening and describing the episode as a “stain on the dignity of Indian politics”.
The BJP’s criticism comes amid a wider political confrontation over Gandhi’s Indore programme, organised by the Congress as part of its outreach to students.
