Praful Patel calls Rahul Gandhi's Indore event with Modi mimicry 'childish'

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi's 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' event in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, has stirred a political row. Speaking with students at the event, Gandhi had targeted the central government on the education system, paper leaks, employment and democracy. He engaged directly with students, sharing his views on issues ranging from the country's education system to job creation. But the real controversy erupted over a mimicry of Prime Minister Narendra Modi performed during the event.

While Rahul Gandhi was seated on stage, stand-up comedian Pulkit Mani mimicked Modi's manner of speaking and conduct. Because this happened in Gandhi's presence, the episode drew even more attention. Leaders of the ruling party have since criticised Gandhi heavily over this. Nationalist Congress Party MP Praful Patel has now also weighed in with sharp comments on the event.

Patel openly expressed his displeasure over the Indore event. "Yesterday's Indore event was a childish programme. Doing mimicry is easy, but what does it achieve? Do we work to build the nation or to run an akhada?" he asked. Patel said using mimicry in this way at a political event reduced its seriousness.

Patel did not stop at the mimicry issue and also spoke about the drought-like situation in the state. He said the government was closely monitoring the situation arising from below-normal rainfall in parts of Maharashtra this year. He expressed confidence that the government would soon take the necessary measures on farmers' concerns, drinking water shortages and fodder scarcity for livestock. He added that the government was serious about the issue and would take steps to provide relief to people in the affected areas.

Patel also commented on the revised MDR charges on UPI. Referring to the stand taken by Mumbai's petrol pump operators on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000, he said the central government should consider the matter. He noted that the central government was sensitive to the issue of MDR charges on UPI and that if there was any difficulty, it could be revised.

While political charges and countercharges continue over the mimicry at Rahul Gandhi's event, Praful Patel's remarks on the drought and UPI charges are also being widely discussed in political circles.