From being called names like ‘pappu’ to ‘shehzade’ by the BJP, Rahul Gandhi, a leader of the Congress party, has been the main target of ridicule for many years. In every election over the past ten years, the BJP has focused on mocking the Gandhi family, especially Rahul Gandhi, who leads the main opposition party, Congress. However, in the current Lok Sabha election, as Congress moves closer to winning around 100 seats, its best performance in ten years, and the INDIA bloc surpasses expectations, the Gandhi siblings have played a significant role.
Rahul Gandhi started his campaign with a Bharat Jodo Yatra across India. While the exact impact of this journey on winning Lok Sabha seats is debated, it’s clear that his interactions with the public during the journey helped change the perception people had of him, which was largely shaped by BJP’s portrayal.
Videos of Rahul Gandhi petting puppies, hugging people, and talking with individuals from various backgrounds showed a different side of him to the country. Priyanka Gandhi, on the other hand, was expected by many to contest in the elections, but she chose not to. She explained that it was a deliberate decision. If both she and Rahul contested, they would be tied up in campaigning in one constituency, so the plan was to keep her free for rallies. This strategy appears to have paid off.
While Rahul Gandhi traveled across the country to address rallies for the INDIA bloc, Priyanka Gandhi took charge of leading Congress’s campaign in their family strongholds, Amethi and Raebareli. The party seems poised to win both seats, including Amethi, where a loyalist of the Gandhi family, Kishori Lal Sharma, defeated Union Minister Smriti Irani, which is seen as a victory for Rahul Gandhi after his loss in 2019.
In these constituencies, Priyanka Gandhi played a crucial role not only as the face of the party but also in strategizing and planning campaign moves. The 2024 elections also showcased her skills as a speaker who connects with the audience. Her response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s accusation that Congress planned to take away women’s gold ornaments and mangalsutra gained national attention.
Moreover, Priyanka Gandhi’s interactions with ordinary people during rallies helped dispel the negative image created by the BJP. Additionally, Congress contested fewer seats this time, leaving more for INDIA allies, a departure from their usual strategy of contesting more seats but winning fewer. This change seems to have worked in their favor.
While Congress may end up with fewer seats compared to the BJP, the Gandhi siblings’ role in the party’s impressive performance cannot be overlooked. During a press meet, Rahul Gandhi emphasized Priyanka’s contribution to the party’s success.
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