Union Ministers Condemn Rahul Gandhi Remarks on PM Modi

Union Ministers sharply criticized Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday, August 14, 2026, for remarks he made the previous day about Prime Minister Narendra Modi and India's foreign policy, calling his comments undignified, undemocratic, and damaging to the country's international reputation. The criticism centered on an exchange at a party event where Gandhi mocked the Prime Minister's practice of hugging foreign leaders.

The controversy stems from Gandhi's address at the Rachnatmak Congress National Convention in New Delhi on Thursday, August 13. During his speech, he criticized the Modi government's diplomatic approach, arguing that a Prime Minister's role is to protect national interests rather than engage in "mere friendships" or focus on "hugging politicians." To illustrate his point, Gandhi embraced Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit on stage. Dikshit then joked, "You weren't hugging me thinking I was Meloni?" referring to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Gandhi replied, "I haven't reached that stage yet," drawing laughter from the audience.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh led the government's response on Friday, describing the remarks as "petty and condemnable." He...