Devendra Fadnavis Calls Rahul Gandhi ‘Chichora’, Demands Apology Over PM Narendra Modi-Giorgia Meloni ‘Hug’ Remark (Video)
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis called Rahul Gandhi 'chichora' and demanded an apology from him and Sandeep Dikshit over remarks made at a Rachnatmak Congress event. Rahul had criticised PM Modi’s diplomatic style and joked about hugging foreign leaders. The BJP hit back, while Congress said Rahul had not named Italian PM Giorgia Meloni.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday, August 14, called Congress leader Rahul Gandhi “chichora” and demanded an apology from him and Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit over remarks made at a Rachnatmak Congress national convention. Fadnavis said the comments insulted Prime Minister Narendra Modi as well as the Prime Minister of Italy, Giorgia Meloni.
The BJP leader was reacting to Rahul Gandhi's criticism of PM Modi's foreign policy, in which the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha questioned the Prime Minister's practice of hugging foreign leaders. Rahul Gandhi's remarks, followed by a light-hearted exchange with Sandeep Dikshit, triggered a political row between the BJP and Congress. Rahul Gandhi Takes Swipe at PM Narendra Modi’s ‘Hug Diplomacy’ With Giorgia Meloni, World Leaders (Video).
Devendra Fadnavis Calls Rahul Gandhi ‘Chichora’
VIDEO | Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis says, “Rahul Gandhi and Sandeep Dikshit must apologise to the nation. India has never seen such a ‘chichora’ leader before. They have not only insulted PM Modi but also the Prime Minister of Italy,” while commenting on Rahul Gandhi’s act… pic.twitter.com/SB5BAPdk4s
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 14, 2026
Rahul Gandhi's 'Hug' Remark
While criticising PM Modi's foreign policy, Rahul Gandhi said he did not understand where the Prime Minister got the idea that diplomacy meant hugging foreign leaders. “I don’t know where he (PM Modi) got this idea from. Strange ideas get into people’s heads. He thinks this is foreign policy," Rahul said.
He then hugged Sandeep Dikshit, prompting the Congress leader to jokingly ask, “You weren’t hugging me thinking I was Meloni?" Rahul responded, “I haven’t reached that stage yet," drawing laughter from the gathering. Rahul subsequently returned to his criticism of the Prime Minister. Did Italy Rebuke Rahul Gandhi Over Giorgia Meloni Joke? Viral Post Is From Fake Account.
Fadnavis Demands Apology
Reacting to the episode, Fadnavis said Rahul Gandhi and Sandeep Dikshit should apologise.
“Rahul Gandhi and Sandeep Dikshit must apologise to the nation. India has never seen such a ‘Chhichhora’ leader before. They have not only insulted PM Modi but also the Prime Minister of Italy," Fadnavis said.
In a separate statement referring to Rahul Gandhi’s act at a Rachnatmak Congress event, Fadnavis said, “Rahul Gandhi and Sandeep Dikshit must apologise to the nation. India has never seen such a ‘chichora’ leader before. They have not only insulted PM Modi but also the Prime Minister of Italy,”
BJP, Congress Clash Over Remarks
The hug sparked a political controversy, with the BJP accusing Gandhi of making an “immature" remark, while the Congress defended him, pointing out that he had not mentioned Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni by name.
The exchange has added to the ongoing political confrontation between the BJP and Congress over Rahul Gandhi's criticism of the Modi government's foreign policy and diplomatic engagements.
Union Ministers Join Attack
Earlier, Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi also hit back at Rahul Gandhi, asking him to “grow up" and accusing him of insulting the people of India by targeting the Prime Minister.
“Rahul Gandhi, when will you grow up? Running India requires mature leadership, not amateur dramatics. Calling a democratically elected government ‘jokers and clowns’ proves you are out of your depth," Joshi said.
Union Minister Giriraj Singh also stepped up his attack on the Congress leader, describing him as “mentally frustrated" and urging Sonia Gandhi to “get him help".
“Rahul Gandhi appears to be mentally frustrated. His conduct has crossed all limits of decency. If Sonia Gandhi does not intervene and ensure that he receives appropriate help, the situation could become serious," the Minister said.
The controversy comes as the BJP and Congress continue to trade accusations over the tone and substance of political criticism, with Rahul Gandhi's comments on PM Modi's diplomatic style now drawing a sharp response from senior BJP leaders.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 14, 2026 06:10 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
