Archive · 20 Sep 2026
Odisha CM Majhi Questions Rahul Gandhi’s Values Over Modi Mockery
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi criticised Rahul Gandhi over comments he allegedly made about Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Modi had reportedly stopped speaking to help an elderly woman in the crowd get a chair.
Majhi said making fun of this action showed a lack of respect.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai also criticised Gandhi’s record during elections.
BJP leader Dharmendra Pradhan responded to Gandhi’s comments about problems faced by students.
Pradhan said India had expanded access to higher education.
He also mentioned computer-based exams and a 2024 law against examination cheating.
The report does not include a direct response from Rahul Gandhi.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi accused Rahul Gandhi of mocking Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s gesture toward an elderly woman.
Majhi said Modi had paused his speech and arranged a chair for the woman standing in the crowd.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai criticised Gandhi’s campaign record, alleging Congress suffered losses where he campaigned.
Bharatiya Janata Party leader Dharmendra Pradhan accused Gandhi of reducing student concerns to political slogans.
Pradhan cited higher-education access and examination reforms while saying student concerns still require attention.
- Who
- Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi; Vishnu Deo Sai and Dharmendra Pradhan also criticised him.
- What
- The leaders accused Rahul Gandhi of mocking Narendra Modi’s gesture toward an elderly woman and of using student concerns for political purposes.
- When
- Majhi’s remarks were reported from Bhubaneswar on September 20; the alleged comments by Gandhi were made at a public function in Indore on Saturday.
- Where
- The alleged remarks were made in Indore, while Majhi’s comments were issued from Bhubaneswar and posted on X.
- Why
- The BJP leaders said Gandhi’s alleged comments showed disrespect and turned issues involving students and elections into political rhetoric.
Rahul Gandhi’s Alleged Criticism
BJP Leaders’ Response
Modi’s gesture toward an elderly woman
Rahul Gandhi’s Alleged Criticism
According to Majhi’s allegation, Rahul Gandhi mocked Narendra Modi’s decision to arrange a chair for an elderly woman.
BJP Leaders’ Response
Majhi said the gesture demonstrated courtesy, dignity and respect for the public, and argued that mocking it reflected poorly on Gandhi.
Student concerns and education
Rahul Gandhi’s Alleged Criticism
Pradhan said Gandhi portrayed student challenges as evidence of a “captured system” and reduced a complex education system to political slogans.
BJP Leaders’ Response
Pradhan argued that student concerns should be taken seriously but said the government had expanded access, introduced examination reforms and strengthened penalties for malpractice.
Gandhi’s political record
Rahul Gandhi’s Alleged Criticism
The report presents Gandhi as raising criticism about students and political issues, but does not include his direct response to the accusations.
BJP Leaders’ Response
Vishnu Deo Sai alleged that Congress had suffered severe losses wherever Gandhi campaigned and cited a recent Delhi University election result.
- Reported gesture
- Narendra Modi reportedly paused his speech and asked organisers to arrange a chair for an elderly woman in the crowd.
- Main critic
- Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi questioned Rahul Gandhi’s values, or “sanskar.”
- Additional critic
- Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai alleged that Congress suffered serious losses where Gandhi campaigned.
- Education access
- Dharmendra Pradhan said higher-education gross enrolment rose from 23.7% in 2014-15 to 30% in 2023-24.
- Examination reforms
- Pradhan said the government had expanded computer-based testing and enacted a law against examination malpractices in 2024.
- Source note
- The report was auto-generated from the PTI news service; ThePrint said it held no responsibility for the content.