Chikhli (Maharashtra), Sep 22 — In a dramatic political twist on the eve of his scheduled induction into the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), former Congress MLA Rahul Bondre called off his high-profile defection to the ruling party following a personal late-night intervention by Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi.
The last-minute reversal has delivered a significant psychological blow to the BJP in Buldhana district, particularly to incumbent Chikhli MLA Shweta Mahale, whose camp had meticulously orchestrated Bondre’s entry into the party fold.
Bondre was slated to formally join the BJP on Tuesday at its state headquarters in Mumbai in the presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and BJP state president Ravindra Chavan.
Extensive preparations had been made, including banner protocols and official event schedules. However, the political script inverted late Monday night.
Mediated by Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president Harshwardhan Sapkal, Rahul Gandhi connected with Bondre via a phone call that quickly made its way into political headlines.
A viral video capturing the conversation shows an emotional Bondre overwhelmed by Gandhi's direct outreach. "Do not panic, and do not buckle under pressure. It would be a mistake," Rahul Gandhi is heard advising Bondre during the call.
"We stand with you. They want you to flee so they can reduce their competition and expand their influence. Do not walk into the BJP's trap," the Lok Sabha LoP said.
Reassured by the party leadership, a tearful Bondre pledged his complete allegiance to the Congress.
"I stayed with the party because of you, Bhaiya. The fact that you personally called a worker like me gives me the strength to fight again. Even if I lose everything, I will stand by your side in this battle," he said.
Encouraging the former lawmaker, Gandhi responded, "Love you... Remember, you cannot win without facing defeat. Failure is the foundation of victory."
Bondre's entry was seen as a massive tactical victory for the BJP in Chikhli, as it would have effectively neutralised local political opposition for current MLA Shweta Mahale.
Reports indicate Bondre had been in constant touch with Mahale and her staff throughout the preceding day to iron out the entry protocols, with the Chief Minister's office having already cleared the official schedule.
The unexpected cancellation has brought a wave of relief to the local Congress unit while forcing the BJP leadership to recalibrate its strategy in the region.
Rahul Bondre represented the Chikhli constituency in Buldhana after winning successive elections in 2009 and 2014. He lost the seat to BJP’s Shweta Mahale in both the 2019 and 2024 Assembly elections.
In 2019, senior Congress leader Mukul Wasnik personally travelled to Chikhli to prevent Bondre’s potential exit. Bondre holds substantial local clout through his networks in regional cooperative banks and spinning mills.
Despite recent friction and public hints via social media expressing his intent to part ways with the party, Gandhi’s personal intervention successfully persuaded the veteran leader to remain in the Congress fold.