Rahul Gandhi's 'guerrilla politics': Surprise moves, small teams and attacks on govt

Rahul Gandhi has increasingly used sudden protests, marches and unannounced appearances to confront the Modi government. The approach is shaping a more combative political image as Congress leans on him for street mobilisation.In recent weeks, Rahul Gandhi has repeatedly adopted an aggressive approach in taking on the government. (Credits: PTI)New Delhi,Oct 7, 2026 23:43 ISTFrom sudden protests to marching towards police stations and turning up at a location without prior notice, Rahul Gandhi's political style appears to be increasingly built around the element of surprise.Rahul Gandhi has repeatedly used what can be described as a “guerrilla” political strategy to target the Narendra Modi government - sudden protests, unexpected marches and unannounced appearances at locations where his presence can catch authorities off guard.The approach often involves a small group rather than a large crowd. At times, Rahul Gandhi has arrived alone; on other occasions, he has been accompanied by a group of Congress leaders and workers.This is not an entirely new tactic for Rahul Gandhi. A glimpse of it was seen years ago during the Bhatta-Parsaul protests, when he rode a motorcycle to western Uttar Pradesh to meet farmers. AN OLD TACTIC, NOW WITH GREATER INTENSITYThe strategy, however, appears to have become more pronounced in recent years.Rahul Gandhi has previously spoken about focusing on his opponents' weaknesses to “neutralise” them. He has also linked some aspects of his approach to his interest in martial arts. Rahul Gandhi has trained in several forms of martial arts. During the Bharat Jodo Yatra, he would take part in martial arts training sessions with fellow yatris in the evenings after walking through the day.FITNESS BEHIND THE PROTEST POLITICSHis physical fitness has also become part of the image he projects during street protests, which often require long hours of walking, standing and confrontation with police.In one social media video, Rahul Gandhi spoke about the importance he places on physical fitness despite his busy schedule and said he works out for around an hour every day.These are not ideas Rahul Gandhi has started talking about only recently. But the significance of his words and actions is being viewed differently as Congress increasingly relies on him for street-level political mobilisation and protests.STUBBORNESS OR A CALCULATED STRATEGY?In recent weeks, Rahul Gandhi has repeatedly adopted an aggressive approach in taking on the government.Whether it was sitting in protest while moving towards the Prime Minister's residence or refusing to leave the Parliament Street police station until he was allowed to file an FIR, each move appeared designed to create a direct confrontation and generate a political message.His approach during protests has added a more confrontational edge to his political style.People close to Rahul Gandhi say he does not always assess political decisions purely through the prism of electoral gains and losses. He has taken decisions in the past that came with political costs, they say, but those who work closely with him describe him as someone who acts on what he believes.AN ANTI-MODI BRAND?Rahul Gandhi faces a formidable political challenge with Modi's established political brand and long record at the centre of Indian politics.Against that, there appears to be an attempt to position Rahul Gandhi as a sharply contrasting political figure — one who relies on surprise actions, takes politics to the streets and is willing to directly confront the government.On one side is an established political brand built around the exercise of power and control. On the other is a politics increasingly associated with sudden action, street protests and confrontation.The question is how effectively this contrasting political image resonates with voters in the battles ahead.- Ends