He comes, he (doesn't) speak: RaGa's press-conference lasts 2.45 minutes
What's the story
For his maiden press conference in Mumbai, Congress President Rahul Gandhi spoke for just 2 minutes and 45 seconds and exited the meeting abruptly. The interaction was scheduled to begin at 8:30 AM at a venue in Bandra, and media persons from electronic, television and print were present. But in the end, all they got was disappointment as Gandhi didn't take many questions.
Details
Mediapersons woke up at 6 AM for press meet
For press conference, few media persons woke up at around 6 in morning. After reaching the venue, almost an hour late, Rahul Gandhi reiterated his usual attacks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, RSS, etc. He spoke for less than three minutes, got up and left. "Rahulji was getting delayed for his onward journey to Nagpur and Nanded and other engagements," a Congressman later said.
Details
Later, Sanjay Nirupam claims it went as scheduled
The media persons were obviously upset and many took to Twitter to express their disappointment. They claimed the PR team had shot off multiple reminders. Claiming the programme went as scheduled, Congress leader Sanjay Nirupam said, "We had clearly said he would give a few bytes to the electronic media. The print media was also specifically informed that he will not take any questions."
Twitter Post
Give answers for my lost sleep, tweets one journalist
So most Mumbai journalists left home by 6 this morning to attend a press conference by @RahulGandhi who turned up 45 minutes late and spoke for exactly 2.47 minutes (incl qs). Shortest press conference of my life and now I want answers for my lost sleep! @INCMaharashtra
— Kajal K Iyer (@Kajal_Iyer) June 13, 2018
Rahul's words
Not total waste: Rahul Gandhi speak about united opposition
For those looking for optimism in the press conference, Rahul Gandhi did say a few things. Gandhi clarified the Congress will be forming a grand alliance ahead of the 2019 General Elections to fight the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. "The PM and the BJP have been attacking the Indian Constitution and the country's institutions constantly. The Congress will act against it," he said.
Twitter Post
Whole nation is against RSS, BJP, says Rahul Gandhi
'Mahagathbandhan' is a sentiment in people and not just politics. Whole nation is united against RSS and BJP: Rahul Gandhi pic.twitter.com/YKq4wZOUiw
— ANI (@ANI) June 13, 2018