Rahul Bondre former Chilkhli MLA
“I know they are putting pressure on you so that you get scared and run away. “In recent months, I had been feeling somewhat lost and uncertain about many things.
Gandhi reached out to an emotional Bondre and urged him not to give in to political pressure, according to sources. I am with you,” Gandhi reportedly told him. “Now, no matter what happens, I will stay with you,” Bondre said. But your words have given me strength,” he reportedly told Gandhi
Nagpur: The stage appeared set for former Congress MLA from Chikhli in Buldhana district, Rahul Bondre, to join BJP . Don’t be scared. The conversation had an immediate impact. Bondre assured Gandhi that he would remain loyal to the Congress.
However, a late-night phone call from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday dramatically altered the course of events.
“They want you to leave so that the competition weakens and their people can occupy that space. Don’t get drawn into these things.,” Gandhi is reported to have told Bondre.
After learning of Bondre’s decision to leave the party, Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president Harshwardhan Sapkal is said to have pressed the party’s central leadership to intervene. You are a loyal Congress worker,” Gandhi told him. Sapkal, who also hails from Buldhana district, eventually succeeded in facilitating a conversation between Bondre and Gandhi through a WhatsApp group call that included another senior Congress leader. “Don’t be scared. Don’t come under pressure. Mistakes happen, and we are with you. We understand everything and it will work out.
Responding emotionally, Bondre said Gandhi had long been a source of inspiration for him. “Bhaiyya, I continued fighting against all odds because of the inspiration I drew from you,” he said. The fact that you took notice of a worker like me has given me the courage to fight again,” he said. “After receiving your call, I have made my decision,” he said. I will stand with you and remain part of this fight,” Bondre reportedly told Gandhi.
“But after electoral defeats and other setbacks, I became unsure about my future. Moved by the conversation, Bondre ultimately pledged to remain with the Congress regardless of the personal or political cost. “Even if I have to give up everything, it does not matter.