Rahul Gandhi’s comeback and the changing face of Indian politics 

A Shifting Political Landscape 

For nearly a decade, Indian politics has been dominated by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. From the landslide victory in 2014, followed by an even bigger mandate in 2019, the BJP established near-absolute dominance. In contrast, the opposition appeared fragmented and weak, with the slogan of a “Congress-mukt Bharat” seeming to capture the political reality. 

Yet, democracy rarely remains one-sided. Over the last few years, signs of change have emerged. Central to this shift is Rahul Gandhi, who has gradually moved from being dismissed as an ineffective politician to becoming the face of a resurgent opposition. 

From Hesitant Heir to Persistent Challenger 

Rahul Gandhi’s political career began with high expectations but was initially marked by hesitation and inconsistency. After the Congress’s defeats in 2014 and 2019, critics labeled him a reluctant leader. 

Instead of retreating, Gandhi chose to rebuild. He stepped out of Delhi’s political corridors to connect directly with citizens, seeking to regain trust and grassroots support. 

The Turning Point: Bharat Jodo Yatra (2022–2023) 

The Bharat Jodo Yatra, launched on 7 September 2022 from Kanyakumari and concluding on 30 January 2023 in Srinagar, was a transformative moment. Spanning 136 days and 4,000 kilometers, Gandhi walked across 12 states, interacting with farmers, youth, traders, and marginalized communities. 

This march humanized him in ways media campaigns could not. His follow-up, the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra (14 January 2024 – 20 March 2024), covered 6,700 kilometers in 67 days, emphasizing justice, equality, and youth empowerment. These initiatives demonstrated persistence and a renewed focus on grassroots politics. 

A Sharper Voice in Parliament 

Parallel to his yatras, Gandhi has become more assertive in Parliament. His interventions on economic inequality, unemployment, crony capitalism, and institutional independence have grown bolder and more consistent. Once dismissed as hesitant, he now resonates widely, amplified across social media and political discourse. 

The INDIA Alliance: Unity in Diversity 

A landmark development was the formation of the INDIA alliance (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance) on 18 July 2023. Bringing together over two dozen opposition parties, the alliance represents a recognition that no single party can challenge the BJP alone. 

Despite ideological differences and regional rivalries, this collaboration has already produced results in state elections, narrowing BJP’s dominance. Gandhi’s leadership has added momentum and legitimacy to the coalition’s efforts. 

The Controversy of “Vote Chori” 

A critical dimension of Gandhi’s opposition strategy has been raising concerns over “vote chori”—allegations of electoral malpractice. These claims intensified after the 2019 general elections, where opposition parties questioned the transparency of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), the use of state machinery, and the influence of money power and media bias. 

While the Election Commission maintains that elections are free and fair, Gandhi’s efforts have ensured that electoral integrity remains a live debate in Indian politics. 

Electoral Evidence and Shifts in Public Mandate 

The changing political arithmetic is evident in election results: 

• 2019 General Election: BJP won 303 seats; NDA won 353 seats. Congress managed only 52 seats, with the UPA alliance winning 91. BJP’s vote share was about 37.36%, while Congress was around 19.5%. 

• 2024 General Election: BJP dropped to 240 seats, NDA to 293. Congress improved to 99 seats, and the INDIA alliance collectively won 234 seats. BJP’s vote share fell to ~36.6%, while Congress rose modestly to ~21.2%. 

These figures indicate a slow but visible shift in public support toward the opposition, signaling that the political landscape is becoming more competitive. 

Public Perception: A Leader in Transition 

Rahul Gandhi’s image has evolved. His yatras, parliamentary presence, and focus on social justice have reshaped public perception, especially among youth and marginalized groups. Yet, critics still question his administrative capability, and Congress continues to face organizational weaknesses in several states. 

Challenges Facing the Opposition 

The opposition faces several significant hurdles that could limit its effectiveness despite recent gains. Organizationally, the Congress Party lacks the extensive grassroots network and disciplined cadre base that the BJP has cultivated over decades, making large-scale mobilization more challenging. Leadership rivalries within the INDIA alliance further complicate matters, as there is no universally accepted prime ministerial candidate, and differing priorities among constituent parties can hinder unified strategy. Meanwhile, the media narrative often favors the government, giving the ruling party a disproportionate platform to shape public perception. On top of this, the BJP’s superior financial resources and well-oiled electoral machinery continue to give it an edge in campaigning, outreach, and logistics, making it difficult for the opposition to match the scale and efficiency of the ruling party’s operations. 

The Symbolism of Revival 

Gandhi’s resurgence represents more than personal reinvention—it symbolizes the revival of Indian democracy. A credible opposition ensures accountability, public debate, and checks on power. The Bharat Jodo Yatra (2022–23), the Nyay Yatra (2024), the INDIA alliance formation (2023), and the ongoing discourse on electoral fairness collectively signal a shift toward more balanced politics. 

• The rise of the opposition and Rahul Gandhi’s re-emergence mark one of the most significant developments in recent Indian politics. From being dismissed after 2014 and 2019, he has transformed into a symbol of persistence, resilience, and political reinvention. 

Through mass movements, sharper parliamentary interventions, and advocacy on issues like “vote chori,” Gandhi has re-centered the opposition in national discourse. The coming years will determine whether this resurgence translates into electoral success, but it already reflects that in a democracy, dominance is never permanent and the voices of resistance will always find a way to be heard. 

The writer Shahid Ahmed Hakla Poonchi is a Published Writer in the Daily Leading Newspapers of J&K and an Independent Researcher. He can be contacted at shahidhakla360@gmail.com