Did Rahul Gandhi Blow A Flying Kiss In Lok Sabha Complete Video
Did Rahul Gandhi Blow A Flying Kiss In Lok Sabha
Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, who had recently made a notable return to the Lok Sabha after being granted relief by the Supreme Court in a defamation case, found himself in the midst of controversy once again. Taking the floor as the representative of the Opposition on the second day of the no-confidence motion debate against the Narendra Modi government, Rahul shared insights from his Bharat Jodo Yatra (India Unite Journey). He delved into his experiences and reflections from the journey before directing attention towards the BJP and its political approach, attributing the violence and fatalities in Manipur to their policies.
Though the content of Rahul's speech sparked debates among members of the ruling party, his presence in Parliament also captured attention for an altogether different reason.
Amidst the commotion within the Lok Sabha over an incident involving Congress leader Rahul Gandhi sending a "flying kiss," sources from the party have clarified that his gesture was directed towards the treasury benches in a general manner and not specifically at any minister or MP.
A Congress party insider revealed, "As Rahul Gandhi departed, he playfully sent a flying kiss towards the treasury benches, addressing them as brothers and sisters. His gesture was not intended for any specific minister or MP, and certainly not towards Union Minister Smriti Irani."
A Congress party insider revealed, "As Rahul Gandhi departed, he playfully sent a flying kiss towards the treasury benches, addressing them as brothers and sisters. His gesture was not intended for any specific minister or MP, and certainly not towards Union Minister Smriti Irani."
Rahul Gandhi Flying Kiss In Lok Sabha Complete Video
Smriti Irani, who spoke after Rahul Gandhi during the debate on the no-confidence motion against the BJP government, claimed that the Congress MP had blown a flying kiss before leaving the House.
She stated, "The individual who spoke before me displayed inappropriate behavior before exiting. Sending a flying kiss to a parliament that includes female members is an act of misogyny. This disgraceful conduct is unprecedented in the history of our country's Parliament."
Speaking to the media outside Parliament, Irani emphasized, "Rarely have we seen such a blatant display of misogyny from a man within the Parliament. When our legislative body, which is responsible for enacting laws to safeguard the dignity of women, witnesses such behavior, the question is whether he should be held accountable."
Union Minister and BJP leader Shobha Karandlaje revealed that numerous female MPs have lodged a complaint with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla regarding Rahul Gandhi's actions.
"This is an inappropriate and indecent act by a Member. Esteemed members are affirming that such an incident has never occurred before in the history of the Indian Parliament... What is the meaning of this behavior? What kind of leader is he? We have lodged a complaint with the Speaker, urging him to review CCTV footage and take appropriate measures. This is our request," she conveyed.
In an earlier statement, Rahul Gandhi accused the Narendra Modi government of causing turmoil in Manipur and questioned the Prime Minister's absence from the state, where over 100 lives have been lost due to ongoing unrest.
"India's identity is its heart's voice. You have silenced that voice in Manipur. Bharat Mata, our Mother India, has been harmed in Manipur. You are betraying the nation. My mother is present here. Bharat Mata, our symbolic mother, has been harmed in Manipur. This is why the Prime Minister avoids visiting Manipur. You are not defenders of Bharat Mata; you are her assailants," he asserted.
"Never before have we witnessed such a glaring display of misogyny within the Indian Parliament," remarked Smriti Irani, the Union Women and Child Development Minister, who has historically been a rival to Rahul Gandhi. She had previously defeated him in his family stronghold of Amethi during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.
Speaking to the media after lodging the formal complaint, Shobha Karandlaje expressed her concerns about Rahul Gandhi's actions. She highlighted that he had blown a flying kiss towards all the women members present before leaving. She labeled this behavior as a clear case of misconduct by a Member of Parliament. She emphasized that this action was not only inappropriate but also indecent. Prominent senior members of the Parliament have commented that such an incident has never occurred before in the history of the Indian Parliament.
With a tone of bewilderment, Shobha Karandlaje posed thought-provoking questions about Rahul Gandhi's conduct. She questioned the appropriateness of his behavior and pondered what kind of leader he was demonstrating himself to be through his actions. Her comments underscored the gravity of the situation and reflected the broader sentiment among those who found his behavior unacceptable and unprecedented in the context of parliamentary decorum.
During a recent session in the Lok Sabha, while Smriti Irani was rising to counter Rahul Gandhi's statement that the BJP had "murdered Bharat Mata in Manipur," Gandhi collected his documents and left the assembly. His departure prompted MPs from the ruling party to shout, "Why are you fleeing now?"
As he headed towards the exit, Gandhi turned around and playfully blew a flying kiss towards the treasury benches, provoking a response.
Prominent women ministers like Shobha Karandlaje and Darshana Jardosh, along with several women MPs from the BJP, promptly lodged a complaint with the Speaker against Gandhi's perceived "indecent act." Poonam Mahajan, an MP, even called for Rahul Gandhi's suspension from Parliament.
"I strongly voice my objection to a certain incident. The individual who was granted the opportunity to speak before me engaged in indecent behavior before departing. It takes a person with a misogynistic mindset to blow a flying kiss towards a Parliament that includes female members. Such a display of undignified conduct has never been witnessed before in the history of our country's Parliament," expressed Irani passionately during her address in the House.
Response Of Leaders Towards Rahul Gandhi's Alleged Gesture
Leaders from the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) have expressed their concerns about Rahul Gandhi's alleged gesture in the Lok Sabha. In a letter addressed to Speaker Om Birla, signed by women MPs of the NDA, they highlighted the incident involving Rahul Gandhi, the Member of Parliament from Wayanad, Kerala. The letter asserts that Rahul Gandhi's behavior during Union Minister Smriti Zubin Irani's address was inappropriate and indecent. They state that his gesture not only disrespected the dignity of women members present in the House but also tarnished the reputation and decorum of the esteemed Lok Sabha.Understanding The Flying Kiss
The "Flying Kiss," also referred to as a "Blown Kiss," is a gesture involving kissing one's fingertips and then mimicking the action of blowing the kiss toward someone, often used as a farewell gesture. It is a way to convey affection or love when parting with someone, even if physical distance prevents an actual kiss.This gesture is commonly used by celebrities to acknowledge and show appreciation to their fans, symbolizing gratitude to a larger audience. During performances or public appearances, artists may send flying kisses to their entire crowd, creating a sense of joy among their supporters.
Although the terminology may differ, the concept of the gesture is widely recognized in English-speaking regions. In the past, the term "throwing a kiss" was used, and "flying kiss" is the term used in India.
The modern practice of "blowing a kiss" emerged after the 1600s, originating from the Old English term 'blawan,' which meant 'to create an air current.'
Historical Roots, Origins of Fying Kiss
Marcel Danesi, in his book 'The History of the Kiss,' delves into the fascinating origins and evolution of the act of kissing. He reveals that blowing kisses had its beginnings in Mesopotamia as a way to seek favor from deities. In Persia, the manner of greeting varied based on social rank, with a kiss on the lips for equals and on the cheek for those of slightly lower status. This hierarchy of kissing extended to ancient Rome, where an individual's social standing determined which part of the emperor's body they were allowed to kiss, with lower body parts signifying lower rank.Interestingly, during the Middle Ages, the Protestant Reformation viewed kissing as a carnal act and prohibited it from religious services. However, the sentiment varied across different groups during that era.
The practice of lip-kissing gained prominence in stories and novels of the late 11th and early 12th centuries. The rise of Commedia dell’Arte, a theatrical form that satirized romantic love, further propagated the idea of kissing as a romantic gesture. Shakespeare's portrayal of kissing in 'Romeo and Juliet' is a testament to this evolving significance. This cultural shift even led to the enactment of a law in Italy, dictating that wedding gifts had to be returned if the bride or groom passed away before the wedding kiss.
Despite this historical progression, Danesi contends that the sensual power of the kiss isn't innate but rather a construct molded by culture. It emerged as a counterforce to prevailing religious and patriarchal norms in Medieval Europe. This transformation resonated through narratives, poetry, and visual art, giving rise to its appeal.
