Privilege notice for pouncing on PM

Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan did not react immediately when Congress President Rahul Gandhi took Prime Minister Narendra Modi by surprise with a hug on Friday, but later condemned him for breaching the decorum of the House.

Initially, she only stopped Rahul from speaking after he returned to his seat, but she later frowned at his conduct, especially the wink (aankh chamkana) at his party colleague Jyotiraditya Scindia. She also pointed out that his act of almost pouncing on Modi cannot be approved of. The prime minister has a stature in the House and that should be respected, she said.

BJP MP Prahlad Joshi was quick to send a privilege notice against Rahul after the Speaker conveyed her displeasure to Congress group leader Mallikarjun Kharge, who tried to justify Rahul's act.

She said Rahul is like her son who has a long innings in front of him in politics. She did not like his gesture which was against the dignity of the House and said it was better for him to learn parliamentary manners.

The ruling BJP members, who were also taken aback by the hugging incident, created a ruckus by clashing with the Congress members after the Speaker's remark, resulting in a brief adjournment.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh also seized the opportunity to taunt Raul for starting a "chipko movement" inside Parliament and said he and Kharge may hug outside the House but such an act is improper inside the House.

Prime Minister Modi, known for his famous bear hug, was stunned; however, he recovered as Rahul was walking away, called him back, shook his hand and patted him on the back. Neither Modi nor Rahul was in the House when the Speaker reacted.