Rahul Gandhi, once mocked as “Pappu” by the BJP, faced one of the most significant challenges in his political career when he lost to Smriti Irani in his stronghold of Amethi during the 2019 general elections. This defeat, by a margin of 55,000 votes, was a major setback, shaking the very foundation of his political journey. The loss in Amethi, a constituency long held by the Gandhi family, marked a low point for Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party. It highlighted the growing challenges faced by the party under his leadership.
In the aftermath of this defeat, the Congress party experienced serious organizational issues. Several prominent leaders, including Jyotiraditya Scindia and Ghulam Nabi Azad, among others, left the party. Their departure signaled a crisis within the Congress, with questions arising about Rahul Gandhi’s ability to lead and revitalize the party.
Seeking a way forward, the Congress initiated discussions with Prashant Kishor, a well-known political strategist. The hope was that Kishor’s expertise could help steer the party back on track. However, despite several meetings and discussions, the collaboration did not materialize, and the two parted ways without any tangible outcome.
In a bold move to reconnect with the masses and rebuild the party’s image, the Congress launched the Bharat Jodo Yatra.The Bharat Jodo Yatra, a significant political campaign led by Rahul Gandhi, covered approximately 3,570 kilometers. The yatra spanned 12 states and 2 union territories, passing through around 75 districts across the country.
It took around 150 days to complete, from its launch on September 7, 2022, in Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu, to its conclusion in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, on January 30, 2023. This nationwide campaign, spanning from Jammu to Kanyakumari, was aimed at uniting people and addressing the issues of divisiveness and inequality in the country. The Bharat Jodo Yatra was not just a political campaign but a statement of intent from Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party, signaling their commitment to the nation’s unity and progress.
As the 2024 elections approached, opposition parties, including Arvind Kejriwal’s AAP, Mamata Banerjee’s TMC, and Nitish Kumar’s JD(U), came together to form the “India Alliance.” This coalition aimed to present a united front against the BJP, with the Congress taking a leading role. Rahul Gandhi, recognizing the shifting political landscape, decided to change his electoral seat from Amethi to Wayanad, a move that was heavily criticized by the opposition. They labeled him “Ranchod,” implying that he fled in fear of facing Smriti Irani again.
In a surprising turn of events, Smriti Irani’s derogatory remarks about Kishori Lal Sharma, a close associate of the Gandhi family, backfired. In the 2024 elections, Irani was defeated by Kishori Lal Sharma by a margin of over 1.67 lakh votes, a victory that stunned many and reaffirmed the Congress party’s resurgence.
Furthermore, the alliance between the Congress and the Samajwadi Party (SP) in Bihar dealt a significant blow to the BJP government. The outcome of the Varanasi election was particularly noteworthy, as it played a crucial role in establishing Rahul Gandhi as a formidable opposition leader. This victory marked a turning point in his political career, transforming him from a political dynast often criticized for his privileged background into a powerful and credible opposition leader.
Rahul Gandhi’s journey from being mocked as “Pappu” to becoming a key figure in the opposition reflects his resilience and determination to evolve as a leader. Despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks, he has emerged stronger, leading the Congress party and the broader opposition in a new era of Indian politics.