Regional parties should rejoin Congress, strengthen Opposition unity: Ashok Gehlot

Veteran Congress leader Ashok Gehlot on Friday (June 12, 2026) made a strong pitch for the Opposition unity by calling upon the regional parties, which separated from Congress, to rejoin its fold and “wholeheartedly accept” Rahul Gandhi as their leader. Mr. Gehlot affirmed that this would change the voting pattern across the country.

Mr. Gehlot — the former Chief Minister of Rajasthan — made the remarks while endorsing Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut’s suggestion that the parties that had split from Congress should reunite with the grand old party. Mr. Raut had urged Nationalist Congress Party (SP) chief Sharad Pawar to take the lead for merger.

“I believe there is merit in what Mr. Raut has said. The time has come to fight for saving democracy. When all of us are on the battlefield to protect democratic values, the parties which emerged after separating from Congress should consider rejoining and wholeheartedly accept Rahul Gandhi as their leader,” Mr. Gehlot said.

Talking to journalists at his residence, Mr. Gehlot said the INDIA bloc should present a clear leadership structure before voters. “People see a direct political fight between Narendra Modi and Rahul Gandhi. If all Opposition parties unequivocally accept Rahul Gandhi’s leadership, the voting pattern in the country will change significantly,” he said.

Laying emphasis on Mr. Gandhi’s role as principal challenger to Prime Minister Mr. Modi, the Congress veteran said his appeal was directed at the parties which originated from Congress and not at organisations with distinct ideological and historical roots.

“Shiv Sena, CPI(M), CPI and the Samajwadi Party are political formations that have evolved independently. They cannot be expected to merge with Congress, but the parties formed after breaking away [from Congress] should seriously reflect in the larger national interest at this critical juncture,” Mr. Gehlot said.

The former Chief Minister said safeguarding democratic values should be the foremost priority for all political forces, as the democracy in the country was “under serious threat”.

Mr. Gehlot also urged the youth and students to actively participate in public life and politics based on ideological conviction. “Future generations will be judged by the role they played during pivotal moments in the country’s history. Come forward, participate in politics, and contribute to strengthening democracy and the nation,” he said.