Panaji, Sep 21: Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal on Monday criticised a comedy performance at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ event in Indore, saying remarks that allegedly referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s late mother were disrespectful to Indian cultural values.
The controversy followed a performance by stand up comedian Pulkit Mani during the youth outreach programme on Saturday. Mani mimicked Modi, while Gandhi participated in the skit. The Congress has defended the performance as satire and mimicry, while BJP leaders have objected to references they said involved the Prime Minister’s late mother.
Speaking to reporters in South Goa, Meghwal said Indian traditions emphasise respect for mothers and elders. He alleged that the remarks made during the programme crossed that line and criticised Gandhi and the Congress over the incident.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant also criticised the episode, saying political disagreements should remain within the bounds of public debate and should not extend to personal references involving parents or elders.
The incident has triggered a wider political exchange between the BJP and Congress. BJP leaders have demanded an apology from Gandhi, while Congress leaders have maintained that the performance was simply political satire and mimicry rather than an attempt to cause offence.
The dispute comes amid heightened political exchanges following Gandhi’s student outreach programme in Indore, where he also raised issues concerning education and students. The controversy over the comedy act has since become a separate point of confrontation between the two parties.