Garry Kasparov Engages in Banter Over Rahul Gandhi’s Nomination from Rae Bareli

Russian chess legend Garry Kasparov recently engaged in a banter with a user on social media platform X over Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s nomination from Rae Bareli for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. In response to a user’s comment about Gandhi playing chess on his mobile phone, Kasparov quipped, “Traditional dictates that you should first win from Raebareli before challenging for the top.”

The user had jokingly mentioned that Kasparov and another chess legend Vishwanathan Anand retired early and did not have to face the “greatest chess genius of our times,” referring to Gandhi. In the video shared by the Congress party, Gandhi named Kasparov as his favorite chess player and drew parallels between the game and politics, stating, “…once you get slightly better at it, the opponent’s pieces actually operate almost like your own.”

Kasparov, known for his sharp wit, responded to the banter by expressing hope that his joke does not pass for advocacy or expertise in Indian politics. He humorously added, “I cannot fail to see a politician dabbling in my beloved game!”

Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi filed his nomination from Rae Bareli, a seat held by his mother Sonia Gandhi since 2004. This move marks the entry of the third generation of the Gandhi family into the electoral battlefield of this high-profile constituency. The Congress party also fielded family loyalist KL Sharma from Amethi to take on BJP leader Smriti Irani, sparking a political controversy.

As the Lok Sabha elections draw closer, the banter between Kasparov and the user adds a light-hearted touch to the political discourse surrounding Rahul Gandhi’s candidature from Rae Bareli. Stay tuned for more updates on India’s general elections.