'Don't be nasty towards Smriti Irani': Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's appeal on X

Digital Desk: In an unusual move, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has taken to social media to urge supporters to refrain from "being nasty" towards former Union Minister Smriti Irani. This appeal comes after Irani's significant electoral journey, which saw her defeat Gandhi in Amethi by over 55,000 votes in 2019, only to lose this year to Kishori Lal Sharma, a loyalist of the Gandhi family, by more than 1.6 lakh votes.

Irani, who previously held the position of Union Minister for Women and Child Development, had made headlines recently by taking a jab at the Gandhi family, asserting that "an ordinary BJP worker had sent the Gandhi family packing." 

In response to this ongoing political rivalry, Rahul Gandhi tweeted on X, stating, "Winning and losing happen in life. I urge everyone to avoid derogatory language and being nasty towards Smt. Smriti Irani or any other leader for that matter." He further emphasized that "humiliating and insulting people is a sign of weakness, not strength."

A Call for Civil Discourse

While the specific incident that prompted Gandhi's appeal remains unclear, it aligns with his broader vision for an alternative style of politics. Rahul Gandhi has consistently advocated for politics rooted in love and respect, famously referring to his goal as opening a "Mohabbat ki dukaan" (shop of love) in what he perceives as an atmosphere of hatred.

Before the recent elections, there was speculation that Rahul would contest against Irani from Amethi in the upcoming 2024 elections, with his sister Priyanka Gandhi also expected to run from Rae Bareli, a traditional family stronghold vacated by their mother, Sonia Gandhi. 

Instead, Rahul chose to contest from Wayanad in Kerala, while Kishori Lal Sharma was nominated against Irani in Amethi.

Irani, during the announcement of Sharma’s candidacy, had remarked on the significance of the Congress party's withdrawal from Amethi, declaring it a "proclamation of defeat" for the Congress. She pointed out that Rahul Gandhi's decision to avoid contesting in Amethi was a repeated pattern, referencing his 2019 exit to Wayanad as well.

Irani's Resilience Post-Defeat

Following her unexpected defeat, which surprised many, including BJP supporters and political analysts, Irani maintained a positive outlook. In her statement on social media, she reflected on her decade-long commitment to grassroots work, stating, "Such is life... building lives, nurturing hope & aspirations." She expressed gratitude to her supporters for their unwavering backing, even amidst the loss, and assured that her spirits remained high.

As the political landscape continues to evolve in India, Rahul Gandhi's call for respect amidst rivalry highlights the need for civil discourse in an increasingly polarized environment. Both leaders have become emblematic figures in their respective parties, shaping the narrative as the 2024 elections approach.