A photographer covering Rahul Gandhi's arrival in Odisha on Friday tripped and fell at the airport. Images show the Congress president rushing down the steps to help him up.
The incident took place at the Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar. Hours later, Rahul Gandhi attended an Odisha dialogue.
As the photographer suddenly fell backwards, security personnel surrounding Rahul Gandhi also rushed to help. Some initially thought at the commotion that it was the Congress chief who was hurt.
In images on social media, Mr Gandhi was seen holding the photographer and helping him up before going back.
The episode fueled a buzz on Twitter. Watch the incident here:
#WATCH Congress President Rahul Gandhi checks on a photographer who tripped and fell at Bhubaneswar Airport, Odisha. pic.twitter.com/EusYlzlRDn
- ANI (@ANI) January 25, 2019
Twitter was abuzz with some praising the Congress chief's gesture.
Congress President #RahulGandhi rushes in to help a photographer who tripped and fell at Bhubaneswar Airport.
- Rofl Republic (@i_theindian) January 25, 2019
That's my kind of leader!#RahulGandhiInOdisha #RahulOdishaVisit pic.twitter.com/l53pNIntPV
Many compared it to the time when a police officer collapsed as PM Modi was speaking on stage.
In Odisha today, unfortunately a photographer slipped & fell off the pavement and @RahulGandhi hurriedly rushed to help him, leaving everything aside & rightly so.
- Gaurav Pandhi (@GauravPandhi) January 25, 2019
In contrast, when a police officer passed out standing next to @narendramodi he pretended as if nothing happened. pic.twitter.com/rNq4uGtKER
Some people, however, criticised Mr Gandhi saying many others also helped the photographer.
1. Apparently his bodyguard pushed him.
- THE SKIN DOCTOR (@theskindoctor13) January 25, 2019
2. It's expected basic human courtesy to help someone who falls like this.
3. Not only Rahul Gandhi, 10-15 other people too checked on the photographer but only Rahul Gandhi, the kind hearted man, will be highlighted.
Who knows Congress men have pushed photographer and party President came to rescue..@RahulGandhi
- mandira (@mandirasri13aug) January 25, 2019
Mr Gandhi's visit to Odisha comes close on the heels of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's back-to-back visits to the state.
Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world
