‘Chhichhora’: Devendra Fadnavis Tears Into Rahul Gandhi, Demands Apology Over PM Modi’s ‘Hug’ Remark

Last Updated:August 14, 2026, 5:18 PM IST

Fadnavis slammed Rahul Gandhi over his remarks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s foreign policy, calling the Congress leader a “chichora.”

Devendra Fadnavis on Friday slammed Rahul Gandhi over his remarks on PM Modi’s foreign policy. (PTI file photo)

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday slammed the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, over his remarks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s foreign policy, calling the Congress leader a “chichora” and demanding an apology from him and Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit.

Fadnavis was reacting to an incident at the Rachnatmak Congress national convention on Thursday, where Rahul Gandhi took a swipe at PM Modi’s diplomatic style by referring to his tendency to hug foreign leaders.

“Rahul Gandhi and Sandeep Dikshit must apologise to the nation. India has never seen such a ‘Chhichhora’ leader before. They have not only insulted PM Modi but also the Prime Minister of Italy,” Fadnavis said.

Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Hug’ Remark

While criticising PM Modi’s foreign policy, Rahul Gandhi said he did not understand where the Prime Minister got the idea that diplomacy meant hugging foreign leaders.

“I don’t know where he (PM Modi) got this idea from. Strange ideas get into people’s heads. He thinks this is foreign policy,” Rahul said.

He then hugged Sandeep Dikshit, prompting the Congress leader to jokingly ask, “You weren’t hugging me thinking I was Meloni?”

Rahul responded, “I haven’t reached that stage yet,” drawing laughter from the gathering.

Key Questions Answered

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What was Rahul Gandhi’s exact ‘hug’ remark about PM Modi?

Rahul Gandhi criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s foreign policy, stating, “I don’t know where he got this idea that foreign policy means hugging leaders”. He also made a reference to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

How might this political exchange impact future relations?

The political exchange could intensify the ongoing BJP-Congress row and spark a wider debate over political discourse and personal references in public life. It has led to accusations of using “uncultured and indecent” language and failing to uphold the dignity of the Leader of Opposition’s office.

Will Sandeep Dikshit also issue an apology for the incident?

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has demanded an apology from Sandeep Dikshit, along with Rahul Gandhi, for the incident.

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Manisha Roy

Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com’s general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manish…Read More

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