Rahul Gandhi turns 54: A year of triumphs and trials | India News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Rahul Gandhi, a prominent figure in Indian politics, celebrates his 54^th birthday today. Born into the Gandhi-Nehru family, he has made significant contributions as a leader of the Congress party.
Politicians from various parties extended their well wishes to the Congress leader on the occasion.
Wishing brother Rahul on his birthday, Priyanka Gandhi said, “Happy Birthday to my sweet brother whose unique perspective on life, the universe and everything lights up the path.”

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge extended wishes to the leader.In a post on X, Kharge said, “Warm birthday greetings to Shri Rahul Gandhi. Your unwavering commitment to the values espoused in the Constitution of India and your emphatic compassion for the millions of unheard voices, are the qualities which sets you apart.”

INDIA bloc ally and Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin, wishing Rahul, said in a post on twitter, “Happy Birthday, dear brother Rahul Gandhi! Your dedication to the people of our country will take you to great heights. Wishing you a year of continued progress and success.”

Since his election to the Lok Sabha from Amethi in 2004, Rahul Gandhi has been actively engaged in Indian politics, holding various positions within the Congress party, including serving as its Vice President from 2013 to 2017. In December 2017, he was endorsed as the party president through an internal election process involving 9,000 party delegates from across India.
Political career, but not without challenges
However, Rahul Gandhi’s political journey has not been without challenges. In March 2023, he was sentenced to two years in prison by a court in Surat, Gujarat, for defamation against Narendra Modi during the 2019 General Election campaign. This led to his disqualification from the Lok Sabha, although the conviction was later stayed by the Supreme Court, allowing for his potential return to parliament.
Bharat Jodo Yatra and Congress’s revival
Despite the Congress party’s consecutive losses in national elections, Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra has played a crucial role in reviving the party’s grassroots connections and securing important victories in regions such as the Northeast, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra. The party’s 2024 tally of 99 seats marks a significant improvement compared to its combined tally in the previous two elections, signaling a potential revival of the Congress party.
Rahul’s success in Lok Sabha polls
In the recent Lok Sabha elections, Rahul achieved victories in the constituencies of Rae Bareli and Wayanad. He retained the Rae Bareli seat, defeating BJP’s Dinesh Pratap Singh by a margin of 3,90,030 votes, while his sister Priyanka Gandhi took over the Wayanad seat. The Congress Working Committee has unanimously called for Rahul to assume the role of Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, which can potentially mark Rahul’s return to a significant party post.