BJP unnecessarily exaggerating Rahul Gandhi's nap in Parliament: NCP

The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) today criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for politicising Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi's nap in Parliament and said that the latter should be given a benefit of doubt as at times several leaders close their eyes trying to digest some serious dialogue.

"It is alright if he was resting for five minutes, he opened his eyes immediately. His ears were open and maybe he was trying to digest some serious dialects that were happening in the house," said NCP leader Majeed Memon.

"The BJP is successful in asking people to project Rahul continuously for some time, as though the proceedings were not important Rahul Gandhi was more important," he added.

The NCP leader further said that such issues should not be exaggerated

"Many members do close their eyes to relax for a while. That shouldn't be made into an issue and that doesn't mean that they are unconcerned about proceedings," he added.

Putting up a strong defence on this matter, the Congress yesterday said Gandhi is very sensitive when it comes to issues concerning Dalits, Adivasis and minorities, adding the ruling BJP at the Centre must not highlight this episode for political gains.

Questioning the mindset of those politicising the matter, Congress leader Madhusudhan Mistry said the opposition has no other work to do at this point of time.

"If I have just kept my eyes closed while I am sitting, then it does not mean that I am sleeping. The people ponder over several things when they keep their eyes closed, but his mind is working and he listens to others," Mistry told ANI.

"This all is being done to politicise the matter. I question the mindset of such elements. Rahul ji is a very sensitive person and gives prominence to the issues concerning the Dalits, Adivasis and minorities," he added.

Gandhi was reportedly seen taking a nap in the Lok Sabha yesterday during a discussion on the Gujarat Dalit assault issue.