Rahul Gandhi Urges Opposition Leaders to Unite Against BJP

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has laid out a passionate call for unity among opposition leaders, urging them to abandon traditional electoral tactics and embrace a steadfast resistance against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Speaking at the I.N.D.I.A. alliance meeting on June 8, Gandhi emphasised the need for continuous vigilance and active mobilisation among the coalition, comprising various regional and national parties, in response to increasing authoritarianism.

In a speech lasting just under ten minutes, Gandhi reflected on the delusions faced by opposition parties, especially referencing the recent defeat of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) in the 2026 West Bengal elections. He asserted that many within the TMC were convinced of an overwhelming victory, stating, "I kept telling them, you’re in dreamland."

The former President of the Congress Party argued that the political tactics utilised in the past are no longer viable in a landscape where the Indian state heavily favours the BJP. "These instruments only worked when the Indian State provided a fair field for them to operate in. That field does not exist anymore," he remarked, referring to the challenges opposition parties face in the current political climate.

Gandhi pointed out that the opposition must wake up to the reality that elections are being manipulated, claiming, "100% the elections are being stolen. Please remove doubt from your minds."

He highlighted the broader implications of the BJP's control over various institutions, stating, "The BJP controls the legal system, the bureaucracy, intelligence agencies, and even the Election Commission." The Congress leader emphasised that the opposition's focus must shift from simply winning elections to building a robust movement against perceived injustices.

To illustrate his call for a different approach, Gandhi drew parallels to the Congress's evolution over the past century, explaining how it transformed from a political organisation into a resistance movement during the independence struggle.

“Resistance works. Wherever we resist, it works. I have walked 4,000 kilometres across this country,” he added, referencing his own nationwide campaigns aimed at uniting citizens against divisive politics.

Gandhi also addressed critiques directed at his party and expressed a willingness to take responsibility for any perceived disorganisation within the I.N.D.I.A. bloc, reiterating that true unity requires acceptance of responsibility and shared goals.

He concluded by affirming the Congress Party's commitment to resist any alignment with the BJP, stating, "We will die in the Congress party before we stand with or compromise with the BJP or the RSS." He called for all opposition parties to come together with unwavering resolve to counteract the BJP's dominance in Indian politics.