New Delhi, The mimicry row escalated as Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh shared a video of Prime Minister Narendra Modi mimicking Hamid Ansari in 2017, during Ansari’s retirement as Vice President and Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. Ramesh accused PM Modi of reducing Ansari’s identity to his religion, alleging that his achievements were solely based on religious identity.
Here are the key developments:
1. Mimicry Incident:Trinamool MP Kalyan Banerjee allegedly mimicked Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar on Tuesday, leading to widespread condemnation. Congress MP Rahul Gandhi recorded the act.
2. BJP’s Reaction:BJP leaders called for Kalyan Banerjee’s apology, and jat organizations protested the insult to their community.
3. Congress Response:Congress termed it a desperate attempt to divert attention from the suspension of 141 MPs. PM Modi and President Droupadi Murmu commented on the incident.
4. PM Modi’s Call: PM Modi called Jagdeep Dhankhar, mentioning he faced similar attacks in the last 20 years. President Droupadi Murmu expressed dismay.
5. Kalyan Banerjee’s Defense: Banerjee stated he meant no insult and that mimicry is a form of art. He claimed unawareness of Rajya Sabha proceedings.
6. Mamata Banerjee’s Response: Trinamool supremo Mamata Banerjee refused to comment directly but termed it casual, highlighting Rahul Gandhi’s role in exposing the incident.
7. Political Back-and-Forth: BJP Chief JP Nadda criticized Rahul Gandhi’s video recording, and Rahul Gandhi questioned the lack of discussion on MPs’ suspension.
8. Police Complaint: Advocate Abhishek Gautam filed a police complaint against Kalyan Banerjee. Another complaint seeks the expulsion of Banerjee, Rahul Gandhi, and involved MPs.
9. Chairman’s Response: Jagdeep Dhankhar vowed not to tolerate insults to the post he holds and the community he represents.
