56’’ CHEST FIRST FLINCHES AT PIDI HUG, THEN HITS BACK

Prime Minister Modi is known for his cuddles and hugs, in fact the criticism has been that he has reduced international diplomacy to optics and pageantry.

But, on Friday, PM Modi was momentarily caught off guard when Rahul cradled him in his arms. The hug eclipsed all else in Parliament.

The prime minister was clearly taken aback, but he had the good sense not to wriggle out of the hug. Quickly gathering his wits, Modi gently patted Rahul on the back. He even called the Congress president back for a handshake, and whispered a few words in his ear. There was no way of ascertaining what the pearls of wisdom were.

Back in his seat, Rahul wanted to explain his conduct but Speaker Sumitra Mahajan cut him short, saying he has finished his speech and can't speak any further.

Earlier, Rahul concluded his 48-minute speech by stating that the PM harbours

hatred for him and derisively calls him "Pappu" but he nurses no anger or rancour. Rather, he is grateful to Modi and the RSS who have taught him the real meaning of the word Hindustani, which is to love all; he also now understands what it means to be a true Hindu.

Hooted by BJP members, he said one day he would turn them also into like-minded Congressmen who have built this nation.

He repeatedly challenged the PM to look into his eyes while shredding him for his "jumla strikes." On noticing that the PM was chuckling to himself, Rahul shot back: "I can see he is smiling but there is a touch of nervousness." Modi could be seen sniggering many times over Rahul's remarks.

Rahul said the PM and the BJP President are different type of politicians who can't afford to lose power and, so, they are acting out of fear, while the entire country is seething with anger.

He said this fear psychosis has even gripped the BJP members, as some of them reached out to him when he stepped out during a 7-minute adjournment, to congratulate him for stating the truth. It is this sense of fear which permeates the Opposition and many from the BJP that will ensure PM Modi’s rout in the next elections.