Rahul Gandhi lost in thoughts during interview; opponents mock Congress leader’s awkward silence; common sight, say critics

NEW DELHI: The video of Rahul Gandhi fumbling before an anchor’s question has gone viral on social media. Numerous people have come out in support and opposition of the Congress leader. However, let’s find out the reality behind the incident.

The video of Rahul Gandhi speaking at the ‘India at 75 'debate at the Cambridge University on May 23, is now widely circulating on social media. It is a one-minute clip from a half-an-hour interview hosted by Shruti Kapila, associate professor of Indian history at the university.

In the video, the interviewer is seen asking Rahul Gandhi how he envisioned the combat between violence and non-violence in the Indian society. However, Gandhi did not immediately respond to the question. He is seen taking a pause and fumbling. Many people have mocked the leader and said that it was a common sight to see Rahul like this.

After an awkward silence, Rahul Gandhi said that the word that comes to his mind is forgiveness. It is not precisely the most accurate one. After which, he lapsed into thoughts once again.

Meanwhile, the audience applauded thinking that Rahul had given the reply. To which, Rahul responded, “I’m thinking”. The video also shows the anchor telling Gandhi that she did not mean to stump him. “I didn’t mean to stump you… it’s a very obvious question,” she said. “You didn’t stump me,” Rahul said. In response, the anchor said, “No one has asked you, I am surprised”. “No, no… they have asked,” he replied, adding that “I am trying to go deeper in the answer,” amidst laughter from the audience.

Fumbling once is acceptable, But you’re doing same every time, You have to accept that you’re dumb. pic.twitter.com/wub3CXOA9N

— Political Kida (@PoliticalKida) May 25, 2022

A section of people are of the opinion that Rahul Gandhi did not respond to the question accurately pointing out his fumbling as evidence. Whereas, the other side opines that Rahul was only taking time to respond to the answer.

Wish friends in BJP could understand the pain of losing ur grandmother and father in gruesome terrorists attacks and summarise the dichotomy between violence & non-violence in one word -“forgiveness”.

Political differences apart, let’s not belittle Gandhian value of Non-violence https://t.co/98O2GYhzs3

— Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) May 25, 2022

They said that Rahul Gandhi has clearly answered all the questions throughout the interview. They supported Gandhi by sharing the full video of the interview. Many people, including Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala has come forward in support of the leader.