In a rare and widely noticed moment in India’s political circles, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi were seen exchanging greetings and briefly interacting at the Parliament complex during a tribute event marking the birth anniversary of social reformer Jyotiba Phule.

The interaction took place at Prerna Sthal, where several senior leaders gathered to pay homage to Jyotiba Phule on his 199th birth anniversary. The event was attended by key political figures, including Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Union ministers JP Nadda and Arjun Ram Meghwal.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at the venue and was greeted by leaders present, including Rahul Gandhi. After exchanging formal greetings, Modi was seen stepping aside to engage in a short conversation with Gandhi, drawing attention from those present at the venue.

According to visuals shared by news agency PTI on social media platform X, the interaction appeared cordial and extended briefly before other leaders joined the conversation. The moment stood out due to the usual political rivalry between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and the Congress party, which often dominates public discourse.

The leaders had gathered to honour Jyotiba Phule, the 19th-century social reformer who dedicated his life to education, equality, and the upliftment of marginalised communities. Prime Minister Modi, in his tribute, described Phule as a visionary whose ideas continue to inspire social progress.

Rahul Gandhi also paid tribute, stating that Phule’s lifelong struggle against inequality and discrimination laid the foundation for justice and equality in society.

The brief interaction between the two leaders quickly gained attention on social media, with many noting the contrast between the cordial exchange and their usual political confrontations in Parliament and public rallies.