You have changed: Modi, Kharge exchange banter at social event
High temperatures in the current monsoon session of Parliament notwithstanding, bonhomie between political opponents was on display at a social event. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge exchanged banter, with the former commenting, “Aap badal gaye ho (you have changed)” in response to the latter saying, “I am just the same as always.”
The friendly chat took place at the wedding reception of NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule’s daughter in New Delhi on Monday. Who’s who of politics were present at the gathering. A video has now emerged showing Kharge and Modi engaging in a light-hearted conversation.
Political rivalry took a backseat; the Prime Minister, Congress chief and the Gandhi siblings shared the same frame at the reception. Rare as the sight was, a video of the leaders sharing a light-hearted exchange has now gone viral on social media.
The interaction began with Modi asking Priyanka Gandhi Vadra about how she was doing. “How is Priyanka doing?” he can be heard asking in the clip. “I am doing well, sir! How are you?” Priyanka, who is not visible in the video, replies.
To this, the Prime Minister said, “I am just the same as always”. Modi’s reply drew a chuckle from the Congress president who was standing nearby. “Bhai saab, aap thoda badal gaye saab (Brother, you have changed a bit),” Kharge was heard telling PM Modi. He, however, did not elaborate on his remark.
The Prime Minister appeared amused by Kharge’s quip. “Oh really?” he responded before both sides broke into laughter. Rahul Gandhi is also seen in the frame smiling at the interaction between the two leaders.
The light-hearted exchange happened as political leaders from across the spectrum attended the wedding reception of Supriya Sule’s daughter Revati at Sharad Pawar’s 6, Janpath, residence in New Delhi. Another photo of PM Modi and Sharad Pawar engaged in an intense discussion at the wedding reception also grabbed attention, coming amid speculation of NCP(SP) warming up to the BJP. However, Sule has previously clarified that the party’s recent engagements with PM Modi were strictly regarding issues related to Maharashtra.
The high-profile gathering came as Parliament witnessed a logjam amid protests by the Congress over the police crackdown on students during their ‘Sansad Chalo’ march on July 20.
The high-profile reception at 6 Janpath in Delhi celebrated Revati Sule’s marriage to Nagpur-based industrialist Sarang Lakhani. The couple married in Mumbai in June, with the Delhi gathering marking a grand reception.
The reception witnessed a galaxy of political stars who turned up to bless the newlyweds.
Union ministers Amit Shah, S Jaishankar, Hardeep Singh Puri, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Ramdas Athawale and Chirag Paswan were among the high-profile guests.
Congress MP Deepender Hooda and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar were seen shaking hands and smiling.
Sonia Gandhi, as she was greeting people, ended up walking all the way to the end of the stage. At this point, Supriya Sule brought her to stand in between the couple and then also pulled Rahul Gandhi right next to them. She, though, moved to the end of the line.
Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav was also present at the gathering. Athlete and Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha and former Union Minister Smriti Irani also attended the event. Leaders were seen sharing tables and engaging in light conversations during the reception.
The opposition has specifically sought a reply from Union Home Minister Amit Shah on who ordered the “firing against students” on July 20.
While Shah has said he was willing to participate in a discussion to break the Parliament impasse, other issues like the FCRA bill and the embezzlement of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya have become sticking points.
