"Disgraceful, shameful": Assam CM slams Rahul, Congress over Meloni remark

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on August 13 criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and the party over remarks involving Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, accusing the opposition of crossing "every line of decency".

At the Rachnatmak Congress National Convention, Gandhi criticised the Narendra Modi government's approach to foreign policy, saying the Prime Minister's responsibility was to protect India's interests rather than rely on personal friendships with foreign leaders.

During his speech, Gandhi hugged Congress leader Sandeep Dixit on stage in an apparent dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's public embraces with foreign leaders. Dixit then quipped, "You weren't hugging me thinking I was Meloni?"

Reacting to a video of the exchange, Sarma said Congress' "dynastic leadership" had made objectionable remarks about a woman leader of a friendly country, while women on stage and in the audience laughed.

"This is not merely political indecency; it is also an attempt to sabotage India's foreign relations," Sarma said in a post on X.

"When disrespect towards women becomes a source of amusement, it speaks volumes about the culture being encouraged. Disgraceful. Shameful," he added.

Earlier, Gandhi said India's foreign policy should be guided by national interests rather than "mere friendships" with other leaders.

"You aren't just visiting a friend's house. In this role, the Prime Minister of India doesn't engage in mere friendship. They have no interest in friendship; their job is to protect the country," Gandhi said.

"I don't know where it came from; this idea got into their heads... the idea that foreign policy means hugging politicians," he added.