Rahul attacks, hugs and winks

New Delhi, July 20: Capping a power-packed speech in which he attacked the government on multiple issues, from farmer distress to the Rafale jet deal, Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Friday strode across the Lok Sabha to hug a surprised Narendra Modi in an extraordinary display of political gamesmanship during the notrust debate.

Gandhi, who accused the government of lying to the nation, resorting to “jumla strikes” (gimmickry) and creating an unhealthy political debate, followed the hug with what appeared to be a wink, prompting a furious discussion about the appropriateness of his actions.

The optics of the day appeared to overshadow the words as the 48-yearold wrapped up his 20minute speech by walking up to the prime minister, warmly shaking his hands and then bending down to give him a hug, taking almost everyone, including many in the treasury benches, by surprise.

The prime minister, who appeared to be flummoxed by Gandhi's gesture, called him back, shook his hands again and patted him while sporting a smile.

“This is what it means to be a Hindu,” Gandhi said, sending out a subtle message to the ruling party.

Sometimes forceful, sometimes smiling, Gandhi also used his speech from the Lok Sabha to reflect on the current political atmosphere, trying to convey that hatred and vitriol should not be part of the political discourse.