At a Parliament event marking Mahatma Jyotirao Phule's birth anniversary on April 11, 2026—the start of his 200th anniversary celebrations—Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi shared a rare brief interaction. Modi inquired about the health of Rahul's mother, Sonia Gandhi, in the presence of Speaker Om Birla and other dignitaries.
The exchange, which stood out given the leaders' infrequent public interactions beyond formalities, occurred before tributes to the social reformer. Rahul nodded in response to Modi's query about Sonia, who had recently been discharged from Sir Ganga Ram Hospital after missing a Congress meeting due to ill health.
Dignitaries including Union Ministers J P Nadda and Arjun Ram Meghwal, and former Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh, were present.
Following the homage, Modi posted on X: "Paid homage to Mahatma Phule in the Parliament complex. May his ideals continue to give strength and hope to countless people." He hailed Phule as a visionary for equality, justice, and education.
Rahul Gandhi also paid tribute on X: "On the birth anniversary of the great social reformer Mahatma Jyotiba Phule ji, I offer my humble homage to him. He dedicated his entire life to protecting the rights and entitlements of the marginalised. His struggle against discrimination and inequality showed the nation the path to equality and justice."
