Pulkit Mani’s Modi Mimicry At ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ Triggers Political Controversy

PM Modi Mimicry At Rahul Gandhi’s Indore Event Sparks BJP-Congress Row

A political controversy has erupted after stand-up comedian Pulkit Mani mimicked Prime Minister Narendra Modi during Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ programme in Indore on September 19.

During the performance, Mani imitated Modi’s mannerisms, his style of greeting foreign leaders and aspects of his speech. The act also included a reference involving the word “maa” (mother), which subsequently became a major point of contention. 

The BJP criticised the performance and demanded an apology from Rahul Gandhi. BJP leaders alleged that the act crossed the line into personal insult, particularly in its reference to Modi’s late mother. Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal and BJP general secretary Satish Poonia were among those who criticised the episode. 

The Congress defended the performance, with party leader Raashid Alvi describing it as “mimicry and nothing else” and rejecting the BJP’s interpretation of the act. The episode has since developed into a broader political exchange between the two parties over political satire, personal remarks and the conduct of public events. 

The controversy has also had consequences for Pulkit Mani. Reports on September 21 said he cancelled scheduled shows in Noida, Lucknow and Kanpur, citing threats in connection with the controversy.