he Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting held in New Delhi on Tuesday witnessed moments of sharp political wit and jovial banter among top party stalwarts. As high-level deliberations centered on strategizing public agitation programs and nationwide rallies for the Indian National Congress and the broader INDIA alliance, Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor proposed that the opposition should organize a massive rally on October 2, marking Mahatma Gandhi's birth anniversary. Seizing the opportunity with a broad smile, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge promptly turned toward the diplomat-turned-politician and quipped, "You should definitely get involved. It's not like you just keep writing articles in the newspapers and we read them later in the morning." The lighthearted jibe brought smiles to the high table, with Tharoor taking the remark in good humor, quietly nodding his agreement without missing a beat.

Witty Banter Continues: Rahul Gandhi's Wry Take on Party Leaders Standing Behind Him

The candid back-and-forth was not confined to Kharge and Tharoor alone. In another humorous moment that enlivened the closed-door proceedings, Congress President Kharge turned to Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, offering firm reassurance that the entire organizational machinery of the Congress party stood solidly behind him. Reacting with quick-witted irony, Rahul Gandhi retorted, "It's okay to stand back, but hopefully not too far behind," drawing laughter from senior committee members while subtly highlighting the need for collective, frontline accountability from party leaders rather than passive spectator support.

Shifting Perceptions on Electoral Integrity: Rahul Gandhi on Changing Public Beliefs

Transitioning from lighthearted banter to crucial electoral strategy, Rahul Gandhi addressed the committee on public sentiment surrounding electoral integrity and democratic institutions. He reflected on past campaigns, noting that when he initially raised alarms about "vote theft" and manipulation within the voting ecosystem, even leaders within his own party expressed skepticism and caution. However, Gandhi argued that public perception has undergone a massive transformation over recent years. According to him, while barely 20 percent of citizens previously believed concerns regarding electoral foul play, today an estimated 80 percent of the electorate shares serious apprehensions, reinforcing the necessity for the Congress party to vigorously mobilize citizens on grassroots issues, civil rights, and institutional transparency.