Renuka Chowdhury Rejects Comparisons Between Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi's Speaking Styles in Parliament

Renuka Chowdhury has firmly dismissed comparisons between Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi.

New Delhi:

In an exclusive interview with NDTV's Padmaja Joshi, senior Congress leader Renuka Chowdhury emphasized that Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi possess distinctly different personas with unique speaking styles that should not be compared. Her comments addressed the siblings' consecutive speeches in Lok Sabha, which have become a significant topic of discussion.

Public opinion has generally favored Priyanka Gandhi's performance, suggesting she made better use of her opportunity compared to her brother who has spent more years in politics.

"They are like apples and oranges" that cannot and should not be compared, stated Chowdhury emphatically.

She pointed out that a crucial factor to consider is that the siblings addressed different subjects entirely. Any comparison is merely "psychobabble," though she acknowledged that people are "entitled to their opinion."

Elaborating further, Chowdhury said, "Priyanka Gandhi is very good, hands on. She has spoken what she had spoken. Rahul spoke on a different subject. His style is different."

"This is oranges and apples and one can't compare. It doesn't work like that. These are different narratives to be told," she explained.

"We are so stereotypical that we expect a certain response and it has to be that way and no other way. It doesn't happen like that. Different people address things differently. I think each one stood their ground and raised what was imperative," Chowdhury added.

When asked who demonstrates superior speaking ability, she declined to engage with the question, reaffirming that neither is necessarily better or worse than the other due to their fundamental differences.

On Monday, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra participated in the Vande Mataram discussion, delivering what many party members described as a powerful and effective speech. Her brother expressed appreciation with a brief comment: "Priyanka ka bhashan suno" (Listen to Priyanka Gandhi's speech).

She systematically countered arguments presented by BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Priyanka specifically challenged the Prime Minister, accusing him of selectively quoting Jawaharlal Nehru, and proceeded to offer what she presented as the correct version.

She also defused the BJP's persistent criticism of Nehru by suggesting they compile a list of grievances against him, allocate time to debate them, and then move forward. "Let us use the precious time of this Parliament for the job people have elected us for," she stated.

The following day, during the electoral reforms debate, Rahul Gandhi launched a forceful critique, claiming the BJP and Election Commission are "colluding to destroy" India's democracy and "rob people of their voice."