A subtle dig from the former world champion Garry Kasparov has triggered a barb session on X.
This post was subtly directed at the Rae Bareli candidate, Rahul Gandhi after he was described as “an experienced player of politics and chess” by Jairam Ramesh, Communication secretary at Congress in his latest post on X.
Through his post on X, Ramesh attempted to dismiss the concerns of the people regarding Rahul Gandhi’s capability to win the Raebareli elections against the BJP candidate, Dinesh Pratap Singh. He intended to strong hold Rahul’s candidacy but unintentionally has triggered multiple digs at Mr. Gandhi.
“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.”, said Mr Ramesh in his post. The post further elaborates on the previous wins by Rahul Gandhi and addresses other concerns from Amethi. He ends his post with a reminder that “There are a few chess moves still left to play. Let’s wait for a bit.”
Context behind Kasparov’s jibe
Following this, a user expressed his relief for Vishwanathan Anand and Garry Kasparov retiring early and not facing the “greatest chess genius of our times.” With the hashtag ‘random thought’. To this, Garry replied, “Traditional dictates that you should first win from Raebareli before challenging for the top!”, adding a laughter emotee in the end.
Traditional dictates that you should first win from Raebareli before challenging for the top!
— Garry Kasparov (@Kasparov63) May 3, 2024
Kasparov was subtly implying the need for mastery and skill required to win politics, similar to that in chess.
Both games require strategic planning and a master move, which according to speculations– nominating Rahul Gandhi and replacing Sonia Gandhi for the Rae Bareli seat is a terrible move by the Congress despite Congress spokesperson’s emphasis on “part of a larger strategy.”
Eventually, realizing the gravity of his remark, Garry made another post on X hoping his “little joke does not pass for advocacy and expertise in Indian politics!” And added that he “cannot fail to see a politician dabbling in my beloved game” for he was once described as an “all-seeing monster with 1000 eyes.”
The next day, in reply to Kasparov’s earlier remark, another X user shared a clip from the Bharat Jodo Yatra of Rahul Gandhi, asking him if he could “handle this move?”
Nice one, @Kasparov63, but can you handle this move? https://t.co/xrWFf3zLK9 pic.twitter.com/quuw4JGB43
— Ranvir Shorey (@RanvirShorey) May 3, 2024
History of Raebareli
As described by Mr Ramesh, the Raebareli seat is “not an inheritance” but “a responsibility and a duty;” it has been previously held by Gandhi family members, Indira Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi, becoming a bastion for the Congress. In 2019, Sonia Gandhi, the 5 time winner from Raebareli, had won the seat with a huge margin (nearly 160,000 votes) against Dinesh Pratap Singh.
Previously in 1967 and 1971, Indira Gandhi had won the seat from Raebareli with a significant percentage of votes polled. The number improved from 55% to 66% in the second run, although later in 1975, Justice Jagmohanlal Sinha found Indira guilty of electoral malpractices consequently losing her seat to the then opponent Raj Narain.
Presently, Raebareli is scheduled to go to polls on May 20, 2024 in the 5th phase of General Elections.
Read More: www.urgetimes.com
