Bhubaneswar, Sep 20: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has criticised Leader of Opposition in Lok sabha, Rahul Gandhi, over a mimicry act involving Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a student event in Indore, accusing the Congress leader of turning a gesture towards an elderly woman into a subject of political ridicule.
The remarks came after comedian Pulkit Mani performed at the ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ programme, where he imitated Modi’s speaking style and mannerisms. Parts of the performance also referred to an incident involving an elderly woman who had attended a public programme featuring the Prime Minister.
Modi had noticed the woman standing among the audience while he was speaking and stopped to ensure that she was provided with a chair.
Taking to X on Sunday, Majhi objected to the manner in which the incident was referenced during the performance.
“Rahul Gandhi’s politics has reached a point where even an act of respect towards an elderly woman becomes an occasion for mockery,” Majhi said.
Defending Modi’s gesture, the Odisha Chief Minister said the Prime Minister’s decision to pause his address and arrange a seat for the woman reflected “sanskar”, dignity and respect for the public.
Majhi further accused Gandhi of using the episode for political theatrics.
He said that making fun of an act of courtesy did not diminish the person who had shown the gesture, but instead reflected on those who chose to mock it.
“Rahul Gandhi should remember, when you mock an act of respect, you do not diminish the person showing it. You only reveal your own sanskar when you choose to mock an act of respect,” he said.
The Chief Minister also said the issue went beyond a political disagreement, alleging that basic courtesy and respect had become targets of political commentary.
The controversy emerged during the ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ programme, a youth- and student-oriented interaction in Indore. During the event, Gandhi spoke about issues concerning students and young people, including education, employment and examinations.
Gandhi also criticised what he described as an environment in which young people are discouraged from questioning those in positions of authority.
