Chess legend Garry Kasparov recently took a veiled swipe at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who is contesting from the Raebareli Lok Sabha seat in addition to Wayanad. Kasparov’s remark came amidst discussions about Gandhi’s foray into politics and chess.
I very much hope my little joke does not pass for advocacy or expertise in Indian politics! But as an "all-seeing monster with 1000 eyes," as I was once described, I cannot fail to see a politician dabbling in my beloved game! https://t.co/MlBnR4PeZ6
— Garry Kasparov (@Kasparov63) May 3, 2024
In response to a tweet suggesting relief that Kasparov and Grandmaster Vishwanathan Anand retired early and avoided facing the “greatest chess genius of our times,” Kasparov quipped, “Traditional dictates that you should first win from Raebareli before challenging for the top!”
Feel so relieved that @Kasparov63 and @vishy64theking retired early and didn’t have to face the greatest chess genius of our times. #RandomThoughts
— GhoseSpot (@TheRightGhose) May 3, 2024
This exchange occurred following Congress leader Jairam Ramesh’s assertion that Rahul Gandhi was an “experienced player of politics and chess.” Ramesh’s statement came after Rahul Gandhi’s announcement as the Congress candidate for Raebareli, a Gandhi family stronghold.
Rahul Gandhi’s choice to contest from Raebareli, a Gandhi family stronghold, after his mother Sonia Gandhi vacated the seat to move to the Rajya Sabha, carries significant political implications.
Many people have many opinions on the news of @RahulGandhi contesting elections from Rae Bareli.
Remember, he is an experienced player of politics and chess. The party leadership takes its decisions after much discussion, and as part of a larger strategy. This single decision…
— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) May 3, 2024
Rahul Gandhi, who has also filed his nomination from Raebareli, is not without competition. He is up against Congress defector Dinesh Pratap Singh. Furthermore, he is seeking re-election from the Wayanad constituency in Kerala, making his electoral battle a challenging one.
Rahul Gandhi did not file his nomination from Amethi as he was defeated by BJP’s Lok Sabha candidate Smriti Irani in the 2019 elections. Of late also , the Congress party took time to announce its candidate from Raebareli and finally they zeroed down on Rahul Gandhi who is also seeking re-election from Wayanad. Filing of his nomination from Raebareli comes at time when speculations are rife that he might lose elections from Wayanad as the I.N.D.I Alliance candidate are not relenting to give up easily.
The Lok Sabha elections progress across Uttar Pradesh, with polling spread over seven phases. The outcome of these contests will be closely watched. The counting of votes is slated for June 4.
