In a moment of camaraderie that cut through the political tension at Parliament House, Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav was seen rushing to assist Congress MP Shashi Tharoor after he suffered a minor stumble on the stairs.
The incident occurred on February 4, 2026, during the ongoing Budget Session, as opposition leaders gathered to protest recent suspensions.
A Helping Hand Amidst Political Heat
The brief but viral moment showed Tharoor walking down the Parliament steps while talking on his phone. He appeared to lose his footing, but Akhilesh Yadav, who was standing just a few steps away, immediately stepped forward to support him and ensure he didn’t fall.
Key Details of the Incident
- The Slip: Tharoor reportedly slipped while distracted by a phone call.
- The Gesture: Akhilesh Yadav and nearby staff members acted quickly to help the Thiruvananthapuram MP regain his balance.
- The Outcome: Tharoor was unhurt and walked away safely after thanking those who assisted him.
Context: A Tense Day in Parliament
While the interaction was a display of personal respect, the political backdrop remained volatile:
- Opposition Protests: The slip happened amidst loud sloganeering and protests by the INDIA bloc over the suspension of 8 Opposition MPs (including seven from Congress and one from CPI-M) for “unruly behavior.”
- Boycott Rumors: The atmosphere was already charged due to the ongoing standoff regarding Pakistan’s reported decision to boycott the India vs. Pakistan T20 World Cup clash in Colombo.
- Legislative Action: Prime Minister Narendra Modi was scheduled to reply to the Motion of Thanks on the President’s address later that afternoon.