New Delhi, April 11 (NationPress) In a surprising yet friendly encounter, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi engaged in a brief but warm exchange within the Parliament complex on Saturday.

A widely shared visual captured the leaders in a moment of camaraderie during a tribute event for social reformer Mahatma Jyotirao Phule, commemorating his 200th birth anniversary. This meeting represents one of the rare direct interactions between the two prominent leaders.

Witnesses nearby reported that their interaction lasted around five minutes and was characterized by mutual respect, even amid the increasing political frictions surrounding the ongoing Budget Session. One observer described it as a “genuine gesture,” highlighting their cordial greetings and brief dialogue.

During this exchange, the Prime Minister inquired about the health of Rahul Gandhi's mother, Sonia Gandhi, who had been hospitalized recently due to health issues. Rahul responded that her condition was improving, prompting the Prime Minister to express relief and extend his best wishes.

It is noteworthy that Sonia Gandhi had been admitted to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital on March 24 and was discharged after a week, following treatment for a systemic infection.

This meeting comes during a politically charged atmosphere. The Budget Session has seen frequent disruptions, with multiple adjournments in the Lok Sabha due to intense exchanges between the ruling party and the Opposition.

Just last month, tensions rose sharply when PM Modi missed a crucial Lok Sabha session following allegations that Rahul Gandhi disregarded several Speaker rulings.

Rahul has been in the spotlight during the session, known for his fiery speeches and controversial remarks. He previously labeled former Congress member, now a Minister of State, Ravneet Singh Bittu, as a “traitor.”

His actions, including sitting on the Makar Dwar staircase of Parliament while sipping tea, have drawn criticism from the ruling benches. Rahul has been leading protests at this location as well.

PM Modi has also reproached Gandhi for his comments about Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu, viewing them as disrespectful to the Sikh community.

The tension in Parliament has been palpable. On February 4, the Lok Sabha erupted into chaos amidst fierce political confrontations regarding government policies.

Even Rahul's official engagements have been contentious, such as his objections to proposed appointments at the Information Commission last December, which he argued lacked adequate representation from Dalit, Adivasi, OBC, and minority groups, while demanding caste-wise applicant data.

That meeting, held at the Prime Minister’s residence and attended by Home Minister Amit Shah, extended well beyond its scheduled time, discussing eight positions for Information Commissioners and one for a Vigilance Commissioner.

Significant policy disagreements have surfaced, particularly concerning the SIR exercise, vote allocation claims in Haryana and Bihar, and the management of violence in Manipur.

Among those who witnessed the exchange were Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Union Ministers J. P. Nadda and Arjun Ram Meghwal, all present to pay homage to the esteemed social reformer.