Flying kiss row: BJP demands action against 'misogynist' Rahul Gandhi
What's the story
After Congress MP Rahul Gandhi launched a tirade against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the debate over the no-confidence motion in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, BJP MP Smriti Irani accused him of blowing a flying kiss after his address.
Calling Gandhi a "misogynist," BJP leaders wrote to Speaker Om Birla, urging action against the recently reinstated Congress MP.
Context
Why does this story matter?
This was Gandhi's first parliamentary address since the Supreme Court stayed his conviction in the Modi surname case and reinstated his MP status on Monday.
Opening the debate on the no-confidence motion, he attacked the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for failing to stop the ethnic violence in Manipur for over three months.
The violence has killed over 180 people and displaced thousands.
Details
Never seen before in Parliament: Irani
Speaking right after Gandhi in the debate, Irani raised an objection, saying, "The one who was given the chance to speak before me displayed indecency before leaving."
She added, "It is only a misogynistic man who can give a flying kiss to a Parliament which seats female members of Parliament. Such undignified conduct was never before seen in the Parliament of the country."
Twitter Post
Should he be brought to task, questions Irani
#WATCH | Union Minister Smriti Irani on Congress MP Rahul Gandhi
— ANI (@ANI) August 9, 2023
"Never before has the misogynistic behaviour of a man been so visible in Parliament as what was done by Rahul Gandhi today. When the House of the People, where laws are made to protect the dignity of women, during… pic.twitter.com/eOsMl3I5zy
Details
He has no manners: Ravi Shankar Prasad
BJP MP Shobha Karandlaje also called Gandhi's alleged behavior "indecent" and said, "We have complained to the Speaker to take CCTV footage of it and take action against him."
Another BJP MP, Ravi Shankar Prasad, said, "He gives a flying kiss. What has happened to Rahul Gandhi? So many women are seated there. He has no manners. It is very painful."
Twitter Post
BJP shares alleged video of Gandhi blowing 'flying kiss'
संसद में लफ़ंगई करते राहुल गांधी… शर्मनाक। pic.twitter.com/UrQxI8sk89
— Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) August 9, 2023
2018
Gandhi hugged PM Modi during debate in 2018
Meanwhile, BJP leader Shehzad Poonawalla said, "Is this not disgraceful and chichora type behavior? Ironical he speaks about women's issues."
Notably, Gandhi caused a furore during a no-confidence debate against the BJP government in 2018 when, after his speech, he went up to PM Modi's seat and hugged him, leaving the House surprised.
He then went back to his seat and winked at someone.
Twitter Post
Here's the viral video from 2018
#WATCH Rahul Gandhi walked up to PM Narendra Modi in Lok Sabha and gave him a hug, earlier today #NoConfidenceMotion pic.twitter.com/fTgyjE2LTt
— ANI (@ANI) July 20, 2018