Friendly hug

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "hugging diplomacy" had evoked curious and surprising observations and anticipation among the politicians and the common man alike. The bonhomie between Modi and a particular world leader was predicted based on whether or not the PM would embrace that world leader. The PM, who is known to be adept in his homework, must have read about a hug being a smile with arms and a laugh with a stronger grip. That a single, good hug was more powerful than thousand meaningful words, world leaders are not in the dark about. The "hugplomacy" seems to have endear Congress president Rahul Gandhi who, by all means, did the unfathomable by tightly hugging Modi after his speech on the no-confidence motion. Was the young Congress president symbolising

his party's ideology of "love and goodwill"? Most importantly, was it preordained or impromptu? The country is in a discussion mode over Rahul's intent but the latter had clearly stolen the thunder from PM Narendra Modi's brilliant answer against the "noconfidence". Lok Sabha speaker Sumitra Mahajan indeed sported a sardonic smile over Rahul breaking the House rules; but such gestures are not restricted by regulations. Though PM Modi's response to Rahul's hug was sarcastic, nothing can be taken away from the Congress President's expression. Without an iota of doubt, the "friendly hug" of Rahul Gandhi will dominate the future election campaigns of the Congress. — Ganapathi Bhat