Overview
- Video of a cordial on-stage handshake and conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress MP Manish Tewari circulated after a Chandigarh event that included inaugurations and foundation stones for projects reported at about ₹4,700 crore.
- The exchange took place Friday, July 17, 2026, during Modi’s visit to Chandigarh for health, education and road infrastructure ceremonies.
- On July 18, Tewari defended his conduct on X, saying he is "old school," follows protocol and believes the imperatives of development should be kept above partisan politics.
- Tewari’s clarification followed a cryptic post he made after being overlooked in a recent Punjab Congress organisational reshuffle, which has fed internal unease about sidelined senior leaders.
- Commentary across outlets compared this to past cases such as Shashi Tharoor, noted wide social-media attention, and flagged that the episode poses a leadership dilemma for Congress as it balances discipline with the electoral value of high-profile figures ahead of the 2027 Punjab poll.