New Delhi: Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday congratulated BJP MP and former Union Minister Rajiv Pratap Rudy on his victory in the election for a key post at the Constitution Club of India, calling it an "uncommon handshake".

Speaking to the media at Parliament, Rahul Gandhi said, "An uncommon handshake between (Congress and) BJP. Congratulations, by the way," as Rudy replied with a simple "thanks".

Rudy recently won another term as secretary (administration) of the Constitution Club, defeating fellow BJP leader Sanjeev Balyan in one of the most high-stakes elections in the club’s history. The six-time MP and former Union minister reportedly received strong support from Opposition MPs, though both BJP leaders stressed the contest should not be seen through party politics.

 

High-profile turnout

 

The election saw 707 of 1,295 members cast their votes. Top leaders present included Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP chief JP Nadda, former UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, and other senior ministers and Opposition representatives.