Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], September 21 (ANI): Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge on Monday questioned the BJP over its criticism of a mimicry performance during Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ programme in Indore, asking why the party was “afraid of satire, wit and humour”.
The controversy followed a performance by stand-up comedian Pulkit Mani during the programme, where he mimicked Prime Minister Narendra Modi. BJP leaders alleged that the performance and gestures made references to the Prime Minister's late mother and were disrespectful.
Referring to past political exchanges, Kharge said BJP leaders had made several remarks against Congress leaders, including former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, and questioned the BJP’s stand on satire and criticism in politics.
Speaking to the media, Kharge said, “Why is the Prime Minister, the Home Minister, and the entire BJP ecosystem so afraid of satire? Why are they so afraid of wit? Why are they so afraid of humour? Please go back and see what all the things the BJP people have said about Dr Manmohan Singh, Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi.”
On Sunday, Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel hit back at the BJP's criticism of Rahul Gandhi's 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' programme, saying that every person's mother deserves respect and questioning why similar concerns were not raised when the mothers of Rahul Gandhi and other leaders were allegedly insulted.
“Everyone's mother is a mother, not PM Modi's mother alone. Why are their feelings not hurt when they insult Rahul Gandhi's mother or other leaders' mothers? This culture of insulting mothers was started by BJP-RSS and Mahamanav," he said.
Congress MP Imraan Masood said the 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' has shattered the eardrums of the BJP leaders.
"Let the elections come. They will find out soon enough. 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' has shattered their eardrums. They see Rahul Gandhi in their dreams and wake up with a start,” Masood said in Ranchi. (ANI)
"Why is BJP afraid of satire": Priyank Kharge hits back over 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' mimicry row
