Rahul Gandhi Urges Congress to ‘Avoid Petty Politics (Img: Internet)
New Delhi: Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday urged Congress leaders to refrain from celebrating the Trinamool Congress (TMC) defeat in West Bengal, calling such reactions “petty politics.”
He emphasised that the focus should remain on larger democratic concerns rather than party rivalries.
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Gandhi expressed concern over reports that some Congress leaders were taking satisfaction in TMC’s loss. He warned that such reactions could weaken opposition unity at a time when broader political challenges need collective attention.
Some in the Congress, and others, are gloating about TMC’s loss.
They need to understand this clearly - the theft of Assam and Bengal’s mandate is a big step forward by the BJP in its mission to destroy Indian democracy.
Put petty politics aside. This is not about one party or…
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 5, 2026
“This is not about one party or another. It is about India,” he said, urging leaders to rise above immediate political gains.
The Congress leader also alleged that the election results in West Bengal and Assam reflected a “theft” of the public mandate. He claimed that the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) victories were part of a larger pattern that raises questions about the integrity of the electoral process.
His remarks echo concerns raised by Mamata Banerjee, who has also questioned the outcome in West Bengal.
Following the declaration of results, Gandhi reached out to key regional leaders, including Mamata Banerjee and M. K. Stalin, to discuss the evolving political situation.
The move is seen as an attempt to strengthen coordination among opposition parties in the aftermath of the elections.
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Gandhi’s remarks come amid differing views within the Congress. While some leaders have expressed concern over the results, others have acknowledged the BJP’s organisational strength and campaign strategy.
Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, for instance, praised the BJP leadership for its effective election management, while also calling for a message of unity.
