New Delhi: Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi has made his mark with his first foray into “dinner politics,” significantly bolstering opposition unity.
Hosting leaders of opposition parties at his new official residence, Rahul gave his clearest indication yet of leadership ambition. While it’s early to claim universal acceptance of his leadership, the attendance of senior figures from 24 parties is seen as a strong signal. Three parties have withheld endorsement — the Aam Aadmi Party has already quit the INDIA bloc, while the Trinamool Congress and Samajwadi Party remain in it but have yet to formally back him. Analysts believe that Rahul’s evolving political persona will eventually bring most parties around, posing a formidable challenge to the government.
Both the SARS issue and alleged vote theft are emerging as rallying points for the opposition, united in their frustration after repeated electoral setbacks. The Modi government appears publicly unfazed, but insiders acknowledge that the first real test of this cohesion will be the Bihar polls and other upcoming state elections.
For now, the Congress is preparing to escalate “vote theft” into a nationwide campaign, beginning Monday with a Parliament-to-Rashtrapati Bhavan march. Rahul’s schedule includes extensive state tours and a demonstration in Bihar on August 17.
The Congress has also launched a social media push, releasing videos of Rahul declaring that vote theft is not just an election scam but “a grave fraud against the Constitution and democracy,” warning that “times will change, and punishment will follow.” State units are amplifying the charge locally. Former Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot called the Election Commission’s affidavit demand from Rahul “ridiculous” and insisted that the entire opposition has accepted his leadership, stressing that the theft of lakhs of votes cannot be ignored.
The Congress stance signals a street-level agitation, combining the SARS issue with vote theft. Despite earlier strategy setbacks from Operation Sindoor and US tariff developments, the vote theft narrative has regained momentum for the opposition. The AAP, though outside INDIA, aligned on SARS and is expected to join protests over vote theft.
The government’s refusal to debate either topic has intensified opposition resolve, raising the possibility of an early adjournment of the monsoon session, which is scheduled to run until August 21.
In the last session, INDIA appeared fragmented after defeats in Haryana, Maharashtra, and Delhi. This monsoon session, however, it has displayed renewed strength, holding continuous strategy meetings. Rahul’s dinner was symbolic of this revival, taking over a role previously filled by Sonia Gandhi or Mallikarjun Kharge. Clad in a white kurta-pajama, Rahul personally welcomed leaders, including Sharad Pawar and Uddhav Thackeray, calming Maharashtra unity concerns. National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah and PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti, both present, underscored renewed Kashmir participation. Fifty leaders from 24 parties, including SP’s Akhilesh Yadav and RJD’s Tejashwi Yadav, watched Rahul’s presentation on vote theft, boosting Congress morale. Even Shashi Tharoor’s public acknowledgment of vote theft as a “serious matter” added to the momentum.
