‘What did you take today’: NDA minister’s ‘drugs’ jibe at Rahul Gandhi

Harsimrat Kaur Badal was earlier riled by Rahul Gandhi’s remarks when he pointed at her saying the leader of BJP ally Akali Dal was smiling when he was criticising the Modi government.

Union minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal on Friday took potshots at Congress president Rahul Gandhi, asking what did he have today before coming to Parliament, while claiming that the opposition leader had accused Punjabis of being “nashedi (drug addicts)”.

Union Minister for Food Processing Industries Harsimrat Kaur Badal speaks in the Lok Sabha on 'no-confidence motion' during the Monsoon Session of Parliament, in New Delhi. (PTI Photo)

After a no-holds barred and scathing criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on several issues including Rafale jet deal today, Gandhi walked across the green-carpeted well of the Lok Sabha to Modi and hugged him.

Akali Dal leader Harsimrat Kaur stood up and took objection to Gandhi’s hug saying he cannot do this “pappi-jhappi moment” in the House.

Resuming his speech after a break forced by disruptions, Gandhi said that members of the ruling coalition also appreciated his speech when the House was adjourned briefly. He further referred to Badal, sitting on the Treasury benches, that the woman leader from the Akali Dal was also smiling at him.

Later, talking to reporters outside Parliament about the event that unfolded in the House, she accused Gandhi of resorting to “dramebaazi”.

“They call us Punjabis as nashedi (drug addicts). So I also asked him with a smile ‘aaj aap kaunsa kar ke aae hai (what did you take today). He failed to realise my gesture but only saw me smiling,” she said.

During his speech, Gandhi said that opponents may hate him, call him “Pappu” but he has no anger or hatred against the prime minister.