Congress Marks One Year Of Rahul Gandhi As LoP, But It’s Priyanka Who Stole The Spotlight

Last Updated:July 04, 2025, 09:34 IST

As Congress celebrates Rahul Gandhi’s first year as Leader of the Opposition, it is Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s quiet rise in Parliament that has drawn more attention

Interestingly, over the past year, it is Priyanka, not Rahul, who has made the stronger impression inside Parliament. (PTI File Image)

With the Monsoon Session of Parliament set to begin on July 21, the Congress is celebrating one year of Rahul Gandhi’s tenure as Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha. Gandhi completed a year in the post on July 2, a milestone the party is using to spotlight his speeches, pointed attacks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP government, and his frequent press interactions.

Gandhi’s elevation last year was a significant moment for the Congress—it was the first time in a decade the party had the numbers to claim the LoP post in the Lok Sabha. His appointment also coincided with Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s debut as a Member of Parliament, underscoring the return of the Gandhi siblings to the centrestage in Parliament.

Interestingly, over the past year, it is Priyanka—not Rahul—who has made the stronger impression inside Parliament. Her interventions, informal outreach, and symbolic gestures have drawn considerable attention. In particular, her handbags, carried during key sessions, sparked political chatter: one, seen as a show of solidarity with Palestinians, invited criticism of appeasement; days later, another bag signalled support for Hindus and Christians targeted in Bangladesh.

She has also spoken up on Wayanad-related issues, built rapport with Congress MPs, and even met Union Home Minister Amit Shah to seek a special package for the Kerala constituency. These moves, though subtle, have often overshadowed her brother’s presence.

Rahul Gandhi, meanwhile, has had a more combative but controversial tenure. His interventions have repeatedly triggered strong reactions. His remarks on the Abhaya Mudra, accusations of the BJP being anti-Hindu, and warnings about constitutional erosion under the Modi government led to a privilege notice. He took his oath holding a copy of the Samvidhan, a symbolic moment that set the tone for his tenure.

Congress insiders say Gandhi accepted the LoP post to sustain the momentum from the Lok Sabha election and translate it into state-level gains. His camp framed the political narrative as a direct face-off: “Modi versus Rahul." But that battle hasn’t yet delivered results. The Congress suffered defeats in key states such as Maharashtra and Haryana, and Gandhi’s leadership failed to provide the electoral push many had hoped for.

More critically, he has struggled to unify the INDIA bloc. Far from consolidating the alliance, his leadership has faced resistance, particularly from the Trinamool Congress, which has questioned his suitability for national leadership and pushed for Mamata Banerjee to lead the Opposition front instead.

The BJP, for its part, has repeatedly accused Gandhi of trivialising the LoP post, citing what it calls frivolous remarks and his choice of attire, including track pants, during serious parliamentary discussions like those on the Waqf Bill. The ruling party has labelled him a “non-serious" LoP and suggested that his approach undermines the dignity of the role.

With four years remaining in the current Lok Sabha term, the Congress hopes Rahul Gandhi will grow into the post and assert a more effective leadership style. Within the party, there are those who believe he must now move from symbolism to substance, both to rally the INDIA bloc and to challenge the BJP electorally.

For now, as the party marks one year of his leadership, the story seems less about his transformation and more about the rise of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra—who, quietly and without fanfare, may have emerged as the Congress’s most compelling parliamentary presence.

Pallavi Ghosh

Pallavi Ghosh has covered politics and Parliament for 15 years, and has reported extensively on Congress, UPA-I and UPA-II, and has now included the Finance Ministry and Niti Aayog in her reportage. She has als...Read More

Pallavi Ghosh has covered politics and Parliament for 15 years, and has reported extensively on Congress, UPA-I and UPA-II, and has now included the Finance Ministry and Niti Aayog in her reportage. She has als...

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News politics Congress Marks One Year Of Rahul Gandhi As LoP, But It’s Priyanka Who Stole The Spotlight