How RaGa Convinced Ex-Buldhana MLA Rahul Bondre To Stay With Congress After He Announced To Join Hands With BJP: 'To Win, You Must Lose Sometimes'

In a surprising turn of events, former Congress MLA Rahul Bondre changed his mind about joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) following a late-night call from the Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition, Rahul Gandhi. Bondre, who had scheduled to switch his allegiance to the BJP on September 22, had been a member of the Congress for several years, representing the Chikhli Assembly constituency.

The key intervention came after Maharashtra Congress chief Harshvardhan Sapkal suggested that Gandhi reach out to Bondre. The phone call proved to be crucial, as Gandhi spoke to Bondre and conveyed his unwavering support for the former MLA. Gandhi reportedly told Bondre, "To win, you must lose sometimes," a phrase that resonated with Bondre.

Bondre, who had faced recent electoral losses, admitted during the conversation that he was under political pressure. Gandhi's reassurance that the Congress would stand by him and provide support seemed to sway Bondre's decision. In a subsequent social media post, Bondre expressed his commitment to the Congress, stating he was ready to sacrifice everything for the fight alongside Rahul Gandhi.

The development took place just hours before Bondre was set to formally join the BJP, with BJP leaders in Buldhana having warmly welcomed his potential move. However, Bondre abandoned his plan to join the BJP after the Gandhi call.