New Delhi:
In a day full of barbs and swipes exchanged by the government and opposition, the Rajya Sabha witnessed some moments of laughter, thanks to India’s double win at the Oscars yesterday.
Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress Speaker and Leader of the Opposition, spoke today in Rajya Sabha about India’s glory at the Oscars. He congratulated the winners and said it is a matter of great pride for India. He also pointed out the South Indian connection of the winners – RRR’s song ‘Naatu Naatu’ and the short documentary ‘The Elephant Whisperers’.
“We are very proud, but my only request is that the ruling party does not take credit and say ‘we directed, we wrote, Modi ji directed’. They should not say that. That is my only request.” said Mr Kharge said.
Oscar-winning ‘RRR’ and The Elephant Whisperes’ are India’s contributions to the world.
We request Modi ji not to take credit for their victory.
:Congress President and LoP in Rajya Sabha Shri @khargepic.twitter.com/43loVpofCF
— Congress (@INCIndia) March 14, 2023
The remarks were met with laughter not only from opposition members, but also from treasury banks. Rajya Sabha Chairman and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar was seen laughing, as was House Leader Piyush Goyal. Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. S. Jaishankar, Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and Labor Minister Bhupender Yadav were also seen smiling.
Incidentally, Mr. Goyal wrote a social media post yesterday titled “Rajya Sabha Nominations – An Oscar for the Prime Minister’s Office” drawing a parallel between the prestigious award and the Prime Minister’s choice of nominees for Rajya Sabha .
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji has left his mark of quality in nominating members to the Rajya Sabha by choosing outstanding personalities who have made a mark in diverse fields such as Indian culture, social work and sports,” the minister wrote.
In the Facebook post, the minister said that RRR screenwriter V Vijayendra Prasad was one of the nominees for the Senate in 2022.
“The screenwriter from Andhra Pradesh has been associated with the creative world for decades. Last year, Prime Minister Modi ji acknowledged his greatness and said, ‘His works showcase India’s glorious culture and have made an impact worldwide’. Today the global spotlight is on ‘RRR’ for winning an Oscar for the original song ‘Naatu Naatu’. This is a global endorsement of the prime minister’s choice,” Mr Goyal added.
RRR’s song ‘Naatu Naatu’ won the Oscar for ‘Original Song’ and ‘The Elephant Whisperers’ took home the award for Best Documentary (Short Subject). The Prime Minister yesterday congratulated the winners and said they had made the country proud.