Congress leader Rahul Gandhi blew kisses and waved as he passed a BJP office this morning during his Bharat Jodo Yatra in Rajasthan’s Jhalawar.
He was seen waving at people on the rooftop of the office, holding up BJP flags, with a big smile. Many of them were seen waving back.
Vasundhara Raje, a former chief minister of the BJP, was born and raised in Jhalawar. Rahul Gandhi’s yatra route passing through a BJP stronghold is important ahead of the Rajasthan election next year.
Mr. Gandhi noticed what his friends described as a “brightly illuminated home” and numerous people standing on the terrace when he was going on the highway leading to Kota a little after 7 a.m.
It turned out to be Dushyant Singh’s office, a BJP leader and Vasundhara Raje’s son. BJP flags and lights were used to adorn the structure.
A massive billboard featuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP President JP Nadda, Vasundhara Raje, and Dushyant Singh was situated just outside.
Mr. Gandhi was observed kissing the flag while purportedly encouraging his companions to do the same.
Minister Ram Lal Jat and Sachin Pilot, who were strolling alongside him, acted on the signal and waved.
Jairam Ramesh, a senior Congress lawmaker, was questioned on the kisses.
“You shouldn’t make too much of this; it’s just Rahul Gandhi’s way. People from various political perspectives have been warmly received by him, “Mr. Ramesh noted that he had even invited a representative of the RSS, also known as the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, which is the ideological forerunner of the BJP and an organisation that the Congress MP has frequently criticised.
Mr Gandhi later wrote on Facebook: “No malice, no anger, no resentment – none of this is in the hearts of Bharat yatris. What they have is a desire to unite India, compassion for the sufferings of Indians and love for all citizens.”
He also said anyone was free to join his march.
A day before the smiles and kisses, Mr Gandhi had targeted the BJP and the RSS, asking why they didn’t chant “Jai Siya Ram” and “Hey Ram” instead of “Jai Shri Ram”. It smacked of misogyny, the Congress MP suggested, setting off a war of words.
