This refers to the report, “RaGa takes aim at Modi with Jibe, Jhappi & wink” (July 21). Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ‘hug diplomacy’ with world leaders had evoked curious observations among the political class. The bonhomie between Prime Minister Modi and the world leaders was predicted based on whether or not the Prime Minister would embrace that world leader. That a single hug was more powerful than a thousand words seems to be Modi's mantra.
But hugplomacy seems to have endeared Congress president Rahul Gandhi too who, by all means, did the unfathomable by hugging Modi in Parliament. It had a surprise element written all over it. Whether Rahul wanted to make a robust political statement by embracing the Prime Minister is the moot point. Was it preordained or impromptuIJ
The country is in a discussion mode over Rahul's intent but the latter had clearly stolen the thunder from Modi's answer against the ‘no-confidence’ motion. lok Sabha speaker Sumitra Mahajan sported a sardonic smile over Rahul Gandhi breaking the House rules but such gestures are not restricted by regulations. The hug may not have had the warmth of a hugger or may not have given light to the recipient, but it will not be erased easily from people’s minds because as they say, a hug a day keeps the demons at bay.
Ganapathi Bhat