New Delhi: Only days after his astounding hug to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Lok Sabha, Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday claimed that Bharatiya Janta Party parliamentarians take two steps back, as soon as they come across him.

Rahul stated that BJP MPs are afraid that Rahul would come and give them a hug; hence they take two steps back as soon as they come across him.

Gandhi made the statement at the book launch of senior journalist Karan Thapar, where veteran BJP leader LK Advani was one of the attendees.

Speaking on the occasion, Gandhi also said that he can hug Advani, fight him, but cannot hate him. “I can hug Advaniji, fight with him; but cannot hate him”.

The statement comes after Rahul’s iconic hug to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Lok Sabha, immediately after his speech; the day no-confidence motion was tabled in the house against NDA government.

Rahul before performing the gesture stated that he will ensure that he removes hatred and loath from every heart and fill them with love.

Gandhi was later criticised by many BJP leaders, who called it a breach of conduct in front of the PM.