Rahul Gandhi Faces Flak For Cheek-Pulling Gesture Towards Priyanka in Parliament, Sparks Decorum Debate

New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is facing intense backlash online after a moment shared with his sister, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra , inside Parliament. During a crucial session, Gandhi was seen pulling Priyanka’s cheeks—a gesture that has ignited a heated debate on decorum in the House. Many social media users have slammed the Raebareli MP, calling the display inappropriate for an official proceeding.

Reacting to the incident, BJP leader Amit Malviya strongly criticised Gandhi’s conduct, stating, “It is disgraceful that the Lok Sabha Speaker has to remind Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition, about basic parliamentary decorum. The fact that Congress has imposed this puerile man upon us is truly unfortunate.”

Reports suggest that multiple MPs have informally raised concerns over Rahul Gandhi’s public display of affection (PDA) towards his sister. His repeated gestures, according to reports, made some members uncomfortable and were cited as an example of inappropriate behavior during official proceedings. 

How Netizens Reacted

"It's shameful that the Lok Sabha Speaker had to remind Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition, about basic parliamentary decorum. It's unfortunate that Congress has chosen such an immature leader", an X user said. 

Echoing similar remarks, another user said,"Shameful that Speaker Om Birla Ji has to teach Rahul Gandhi basic parliamentary decorum. Congress forcing this juvenile leader upon us is truly unfortunate! 

Rahul Gandhi’s Past Controversial Actions in Parliament

This is not the first time Rahul Gandhi’s behavior in Parliament has sparked controversy. During the 2023 Monsoon Session, the Congress leader allegedly blew a "flying kiss" towards the BJP women MPs. The act triggered a sharp response from Union Minister Smriti Irani , who condemned his actions as “despicable” and an insult to the dignity of Parliament. “A man who did not have the decency to conduct himself in Parliament,” Irani remarked, slamming Gandhi’s lack of respect for parliamentary norms.

In 2018, during a no-confidence motion debate against the Council of Ministers, Gandhi stunned the House with a dramatic gesture—walking across the aisle to embrace Prime Minister Narendra Modi . His theatrics were accompanied by the remark, “Main ek ek karke aapke andar jo pyaar hai usko nikalunga… aur aap sabko Congress mein badalunga”—a statement that many viewed as a political stunt rather than a moment of genuine discourse.

Following the hug, Gandhi returned to his seat and winked at his party colleagues, a gesture that was widely criticized as smug and insincere, turning his so-called display of “love” into a mockery. 

The latest controversy has once again put the spotlight on Rahul Gandhi’s actions in Parliament, fueling discussions on the need for maintaining decorum in the country’s highest legislative institution.