42 ex-judges back CEC, defend SIR amid opposition protests; panel debates

The Rahul Factor: Ashutosh, Sugato Srinivasraju, Rajat SethiIn this debate, anchor Rajdeep Sardesai and panelists examine the evolution of Rahul Gandhi's political strategy following the Bharat Jodo Yatra and the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Author Sugato Srinivasraju argues that Gandhi has pivoted towards agitational street politics, framing his opposition to the government in moral terms rather than conventional electoral strategy. Political analyst Ashutosh defends Gandhi, describing him as a political disruptor who has challenged the ruling party's narrative by constructing an ideological framework centred on secularism, social justice, constitutionalism, and youth engagement. Conversely, political analyst Rajat Sethi questions Gandhi's organizational capabilities and electoral track record, arguing that street protests, rhetorical posturing, and moral messaging cannot substitute for party machinery and grassroots victories. The panel discusses whether Gandhi's agitational positioning effectively reshapes the Congress party or risks alienating the political center.