3 weeks ago
Rahul Gandhi Has an Audience That Isn't Laughing
Rahul Gandhi is a leader of a big political party in India called the Congress.
For a very long time, many people made fun of him and called him names.
But in the last month, something changed.
Young people started making fun, creative videos and picture collections showing him in a cool, positive way.
Millions of people watched these online posts.
He also walked more than 4,000 kilometres across India to talk to regular people like carpenters and vegetable vendors.
Recently, he stood with students who were hurt by police during a protest, and pictures of him with a bloody nose made him look like a hero to many young people.
He also went online to answer questions from young people about his life.
Now many young people like him and think he is kind and listens to others.
But the article says that liking someone online does not always mean they will win an election.
Viral 'fancam' edits of Rahul Gandhi have drawn millions of views, including one titled 'Things I like about BJP' that reveals 'Their Opposition' and has 3.5 million views.
After Delhi Police lathicharged students protesting at Jantar Mantar, Gandhi led a march to the Prime Minister's residence and was carried away by four men in uniform.
In September 2022, Gandhi began the Bharat Jodo Yatra, a 4,080-kilometre, 136-day walk from Kanyakumari to Kashmir, meeting and listening to ordinary people.
On 6 August, Gandhi held an Instagram Ask Me Anything, taking questions on education, his fitness routine, his dog Noorie, and when he will get married.
Filmmaker Paromita Vohra called the public 'thirst' for Gandhi an 'eros' of connection, while the article cautions that views indicate sentiment, not an electoral advantage.
- Who
- Rahul Gandhi, a leader of the Indian National Congress and scion of the Gandhi family
- What
- Viral social media edits and his role in youth protests have given Gandhi a newly receptive young audience
- Where
- India, centred in New Delhi (Jantar Mantar and the Prime Minister's residence), with the Bharat Jodo Yatra running from Kanyakumari to Kashmir
- When
- Over the past month, including an Instagram Ask Me Anything on 6 August and a march a day after the Jantar Mantar lathicharge
- Why
- Young Indians are drawn to qualities previously mocked in Gandhi – his kindness, willingness to listen, and siding with protesting students
Supporters and New Audience
Critics and Skeptics
Genuine change or another rebrand?
Supporters and New Audience
'This is not the new Rahul Gandhi, this is the real Rahul Gandhi' – his kindness, softness, and ability to listen are authentic, and the 'Pappu' spell has broken.
Critics and Skeptics
Gandhi has gone through endless rebrands (from 'Prince' to 'Pappu' to 'senior citizen youth leader'), and the viral edits are image-making, not evidence of political substance.
Does viral popularity mean votes?
Supporters and New Audience
Millions of views reflect a real 'eros' of connection and co-creation with young people, pointing to a new politics centred on the poor and the young.
Critics and Skeptics
Affection is cheap – views indicate sentiment, not an electoral advantage, and nobody can articulate what the Congress really stands for.
Key facts
- Central figure
- Rahul Gandhi, Indian National Congress leader
- Viral edit views
- 3.5 million for the 'Things I like about BJP' carousel
- Second viral post views
- 1.5 million for 'The only propaganda I fall for'
- Bharat Jodo Yatra
- 4,080 km over 136 days, begun September 2022, from Kanyakumari to Kashmir
- Instagram Ask Me Anything
- 6 August, covering education, fitness, his dog Noorie, and marriage
- Reference event
- 27 September 2013 Press Club of India press conference where Gandhi called for scrapping an ordinance
- Protest-linked image
- Bloodied-nose photo from the march to the PM's residence after the Jantar Mantar lathicharge











