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Union Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju responded to comparisons with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his fitness routine, saying the Lok Sabha LoP may need more training before taking a swim in the waters of Arunachal Pradesh.

These remarks came after Rahul Gandhi has often spoken about swimming being part of his fitness regime. Rijiju had earlier shared a video of taking a plunge in the gushing waters of Arunachal Pradesh, where he warned those who did not know how to swim against doing the same.

Responding to comparisons with Rahul Gandhi, Rijiju said, “Many people are saying that I’m also doing like Rahul Gandhi. Rahul ji may take training for such activities but it’s normal routine in my life. I don’t take training as these are child’s play for me since childhood."

“My life is full of adventurous. Mein yahan ka khiladi hun (I am the player here)," he added.

Many people are saying that I’m also doing like Rahul Gandhi. Rahul ji may take training for such activities but it’s normal routine in my life. I don’t take training as these are child’s play for me since childhood. My life is full of adventurous.Mein yahan ka khiladi hun 💪 https://t.co/hJhC0AT3hA pic.twitter.com/fvDaGKgr3W— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) August 23, 2026

Earlier, Rijiju explained why swimming in the rivers of Arunachal was different from swimming in a pool or in calmer waters. “Some people might think swimming in gushing rivers of Arunachal Pradesh is like swimming in pools or rivers like Yamuna. In raging rivers, our head should be up, not down & body should be more upright, not straight as we keep in swimming competition," he said.

The remarks are the latest in a series of good-humoured exchanges between Rijiju and Rahul Gandhi. In December last year, Rijiju posted on Instagram a video of a conversation with Gandhi in Parliament.

“Not talking politics, only fitness. I hope he will promote #FitIndiaMovement," the minister had said.

During the conversation, Gandhi reportedly asked Rijiju about his exercise routine and invited him to work out with him. The Congress leader also invited the Union Minister to train together in martial arts.

Rahul Gandhi also referred to a conversation with Rijiju while speaking in the Lok Sabha during the Budget session in February. He said Rijiju had once asked him how he remained fit and that he had told the minister about his practice of jiu-jitsu.

Earlier this month, Gandhi revealed that his own routine includes a mix of physical activities. “I like doing a little bit of martial arts, swimming and running," he said on Instagram.