Rahul Gandhi Meloni jibe: Centre fires back

NEW DELHI: The Centre has responded to Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi's “Meloni jibe”, saying that “mutual respect and understanding” are important in India's bilateral relationship with Italy and that the two countries share deep ties. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) made the remarks following the political row over Gandhi's comments referencing Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

“India shares deep ties with Italy, and we are committed to further strengthening the relationship. It is important that friendship and bilateral ties between the two countries are maintained within a framework of mutual respect and understanding,” the MEA said.

The row erupted after Rahul Gandhi took a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's hugs with foreign leaders, including Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, by hugging Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit on stage during a party event in Delhi on Thursday.

Speaking at the event, Rahul Gandhi said, “I don't know where Modi got this idea from. Strange ideas get into people's heads. He thinks this is foreign policy,” before giving Dikshit a big hug.

Dikshit then jokingly asked whether Gandhi had hugged him thinking he was Meloni. “You weren't hugging me thinking I was Meloni?” he asked, to which Rahul Gandhi replied, “I haven't reached that stage yet,” prompting laughter from the gathering.

The BJP also criticised Rahul Gandhi over his remarks mocking Prime Minister Narendra Modi's approach to foreign policy. It alleged that the Congress MP used undignified language unbecoming of the Leader of the Opposition.

Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi, one of the first BJP leaders to react to the incident, questioned when Rahul Gandhi would “mature”.

“Rahul, when will you mature? India needs mature leadership to govern the country, not amateur theatrics. Calling a democratically elected government a group of clowns shows that you do not understand the seriousness of the issues,” Joshi said.

The Union Minister also criticised Rahul Gandhi's political background and his remarks about the Prime Minister.

“The Prime Minister is a leader chosen by the people. Unlike Rahul Gandhi and his family, he did not come to power because of family legacy or dynastic politics. He did not have the backing of a family legacy to rise to his position. The words used by Rahul Gandhi and the manner in which he lowers himself reflect extreme foolishness and frustration. This frustration is what drives him to use insulting language. By insulting the Prime Minister, Rahul Gandhi has insulted the people of India,” he said.

Union Minister Giriraj Singh launched a sharper attack on Rahul Gandhi, alleging that he was facing “mental difficulties” and asking Sonia Gandhi to intervene and ensure that he received the necessary help.

“It appears that Rahul Gandhi is mentally disturbed. His behaviour has crossed all limits of decency. If Sonia Gandhi does not intervene and ensure that he receives the necessary help, the situation could become serious,” Giriraj Singh said.

Meanwhile, BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj also alleged that Rahul Gandhi's language was inconsistent with the dignity expected of the Leader of the Opposition.