BJP Women MPs Lodge Complaint Against Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Flying Kiss’ Gesture in Parliament
In a recent turn of events, women Members of Parliament (MPs) belonging to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have raised concerns over an alleged “flying kiss” gesture made by Rahul Gandhi, a Congress MP, during a session in the Lok Sabha. The BJP women MPs have officially filed a complaint with the Lok Sabha speaker, Om Birla, accusing Gandhi of disrespecting and insulting women MPs and urging for appropriate action to be taken against him.
The complaint, signed by prominent BJP figure and union minister, Shobha Karandlaje, along with other women MPs, strongly expressed that Gandhi’s conduct was “indecent” and that he made “inappropriate gestures towards Smriti Irani while she was addressing the House.” The letter further stated that such behaviour not only undermined the dignity of female members of the House but also tarnished the reputation and honor of the esteemed parliamentary institution.
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In a statement to the news agency ANI, Shobha Karandlaje conveyed her concerns, “This is the first time we have seen such behaviour from an MP in the House. He made an indecent gesture toward the female members of parliament who were present in the chamber by sending a flying kiss their way. This behaviour has not been accepted. We have complained to the Speaker to take action against him.” Darshana Jardosh, another BJP MP and union minister, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that such actions are incompatible with the country’s culture and will not be tolerated within the Parliament.
Rahul Gandhi had delivered his first address in the Parliament on this occasion, following his reinstatement as a Lok Sabha MP. Drawing parallels with his previous actions during the no-confidence motion against the Modi government in 2018, Gandhi allegedly repeated a similar gesture of blowing a flying kiss as he exited the Lok Sabha.
In response to Gandhi’s alleged gesture, Smriti Irani, a prominent BJP leader, and MP, criticized his behaviour during her speech on a no-confidence motion. Though not explicitly naming Gandhi, she commented, “The person who spoke before me misbehaved. Sending a flying kiss gesture to female lawmakers can only be perceived as an act reflecting misogyny. It reflects the background he belongs to and offers insights into the views his family and political party hold about women. This type of disrespectful behaviour is unprecedented within the history of our country’s parliamentary proceedings.”
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The incident has sparked discussions about decorum and respect within the parliamentary setting, especially considering the role of MPs as representatives of the people and the nation. It underscores the significance of maintaining a respectful and dignified atmosphere during parliamentary proceedings, reflecting the values and expectations of the citizens they serve.
As the controversy surrounding the alleged flying kiss gesture unfolds, political and social observers are keeping a close watch on how this incident will be addressed by the Lok Sabha authorities and the larger political sphere. It serves as a reminder that the conduct of public representatives not only shapes public perceptions but also has a profound impact on the integrity and credibility of the nation’s democratic institutions.