Rahul Bondre, who served two terms as the MLA from the Chikhli constituency in Buldhana district, had publicly declared his intention to join the BJP and was slated to be received by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in a grand welcome ceremony.
Maharashtra Congress chief Harshvardhan Sapkal arranged for Gandhi to speak directly with Bondre, urging him to stay with the party that had been his political home for years.
During the call, Gandhi warned Bondre against “psychological pressure” and urged him to remain loyal, saying, “They want to finish the competition and increase their influence. Without losing, you can’t win; losing is the foundation of victory.”
Bondre responded by reaffirming his commitment to Congress, calling Gandhi “brother” and stating that the conversation gave him the courage to continue fighting for the party despite past setbacks.
The intervention halted the planned BJP induction, which would have bolstered the ruling party’s presence in a constituency now represented by BJP MLA Shweta Mahale.
Gandhi concluded the call with a personal note of support, saying, “Love you and not to worry,” signaling the party’s intent to retain its foothold in the region ahead of upcoming electoral contests.