New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi They were seen having a brief but candid conversation at the 200th birth anniversary ceremony of Mahatma Jyotiba Phule at Parliament House on Saturday.The interaction took place at a public event in the presence of top constitutional leaders including President Drupadi Murmu, Vice President Radhakrishnan, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and other senior leaders who gathered at Prernastad to pay tribute to the social reformer.The brief exchange between Prime Minister Modi and Rahul Gandhi raised eyebrows, especially given the history of bitter political rivalry between the two leaders.Previously, the two leaders often targeted each other in public speeches and political rallies. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has in the past accused Prime Minister Modi of being a “compromising” leader and claimed that India’s foreign policy is subject to external influence.“Our foreign policy is Prime Minister Modi’s personal foreign policy… Everyone thinks it is a common joke… Donald Trump knows exactly what Prime Minister Modi can and cannot do. If the Prime Minister is compromised, our foreign policy will be compromised,” Rahul Gandhi had earlier said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also responded strongly to opposition criticism in the past, often indirectly mocking Rahul Gandhi during public rallies. In one such instance, Prime Minister Modi, addressing a rally in Gogamukh in Assam ahead of the polls, called the Congress leader a “self-proclaimed prince”.Prime Minister Modi had said “Rajkumar” (self-proclaimed prince) while targeting Rahul Gandhi in his earlier public address.Earlier in the day, the two leaders separately paid tribute to Mahatma Jyotiba Fuller, one of India’s most prominent social reformers known for his work on women’s education, caste equality and empowerment of marginalized communities.President Drupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi were among those who laid floral tributes at the Prenarstal in Parliament.In his message atIn his post on X, Rahul Gandhi also highlighted Phil’s lifelong struggle against discrimination and inequality, saying his ideals continue to inspire the path towards social justice.“I pay my humble tribute to the great social reformer Mahatma Jyotiba Fuller on the occasion of his birth anniversary. He dedicated his life to protecting the rights and rights of marginalized groups. His fight against discrimination and inequality showed the country the path towards equality and justice,” Rahul Gandhi said.
Mahatma Jyotiba Phule was born on April 11, 1827 in Satara, Maharashtra, and is widely regarded as the pioneer of the social reform movement in India. He and his wife Savitribai Phule played a key role in advancing women’s education and challenging caste-based discrimination through the Satyashodhak Samaj.
