Kiren Rijiju Threatens Pawan Khera Over Swimming Video Jibes

Guwahati: Union Minister Kiren Rijiju warned Congress leader Pawan Khera on Monday. The spat started after Khera mocked a social media video showing the minister swimming in an Arunachal Pradesh river. Khera claimed the video proved Rahul Gandhi lived rent-free in the BJP's head. He asked if the minister required political cover even while swimming half-naked.

Rijiju fired back on August 25. He labeled the comments indecent and questioned Khera's behavior as a parliamentarian. "Dear Pawan Khera, I'll report to CM Himanta Biswa Sarma about your indiscipline conduct if you talk about half-naked swimming," Rijiju posted on X.

The minister rejected claims that his swim was a response to Rahul Gandhi. He claimed he swims with villagers to act as a role model. Rijiju described himself as a natural khiladi in the local waters. He noted that he grew up navigating these fast-flowing rivers. The minister warned others against entering deep water without swimming skills after several people recently drowned. This argument marks the latest round of fitness banter between the BJP and Gandhi supporters.