21 September,2026 10:25 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut (File pic)
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Monday, September 21 came out in support of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. Sanjay Raut backed Rahul Gandhi over a stand-up comedy act mimicking Prime Minister Narendra Modi at an event in Indore, stating that the Leader of Opposition's "arrow has pierced the BJP's heart."
Speaking to the media, the Rajya Sabha MP said that the ruling party leaders were rattled because Gandhi attacked the prime minister, as per PTI.
A row has erupted after stand-up comedian Pulkit Mani mimicked PM Modi while performing a skit with Gandhi during his 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' youth outreach programme in Madhya Pradesh's Indore city on Saturday. The Congress, which shared the video on social media, has defended the act as satire/mimicry.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader backing LoP in Lok Sabha said, "Rahul Gandhi's arrow has pierced BJP's heart." He further added that the Congress leader has explained the plight of the country's international relations to the common man and students.
"What Rahul Gandhi says is reaching people," Raut added.
Earlier on Sunday, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also took a swipe at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his mimicry of Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the âChhatron Ki Goonj' event in Indore.
CM Fadnavis, while slamming the Congress leader, suggested that the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha could take up stand-up comedy as a profession, reported the ANI.
Speaking to reporters in Mumbai, Fadnavis said, "I feel this is the only job left for Rahul Gandhi now. If Rahul Gandhi takes up the profession of a stand-up comedian and does mimicry there, he could secure very good employment. As for his political party, he has already rendered it unemployed," the news agency reported.
BJP Bihar president Sanjay Saraogi also criticised Gandhi over his remarks and stage act during the event. Saraogi accused the Congress leader of "displaying sheer immaturity, political bankruptcy, and the height of indecency."
The BJP leader said such conduct was unacceptable in public life, particularly from someone holding the position of Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha.
"The manner in which Rahul Gandhi insulted the mother of the Prime Minister, including the antics he displayed on stage, reflects sheer immaturity, political bankruptcy, and the height of indecency. Civilised society and the people of this country can never accept such behavior," he said, according to the ANI.
(With inputs from PTI and ANI)
