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‘The opponents have a monopoly over money, media, hate, anger’: Rahul Gandhi cautions at Bharat Summit 2025

Rahul Gandhi shared that embracing love in politics—a word he had never used before his yatra—transformed public response, showing that affection and empathy can counter hatred more effectively than anger

Saicharan Sana

Published Apr 27, 2025 | 12:34 AM ⚊ Updated Apr 27, 2025 | 12:34 AM

Rahul Gandhi at Bharat Summit 2025

Rahul Gandhi at Bharat Summit 2025

Synopsis: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi addressed the Bharat Summit at Hyderabad’s HICC on 26 April, after postponing his earlier schedule to visit Pahalgam terror attack victims. Speaking to over 450 international delegates, Gandhi reflected on his political evolution, stressing the importance of listening, empathy, and love in modern politics, setting a thoughtful tone against global challenges and the unveiling of the Hyderabad Declaration.

“The opponent has a monopoly on money, media, hatred, fear, and anger, and we can never beat them there,” Congress leader Rahul Gandhi cautioned at the Bharat Summit 2025 in Hyderabad. “We as politicians have lost our ability to ‘deeply listen’ and there are few places where we have an advantage to reach the people,” he continued, addressing what the Congress touts as the world’s largest gathering of Progressives. Drawing on his own experience, he identified both the shortcomings of the left and the one major weakness of the right ideology. “There is one space where ‘they’ are missing. That is our space,” he said calling on the politicians to alter their approach

He spoke candidly about his political evolution, the changing nature of democratic politics, and the urgent need for a new approach rooted in listening, love, and empathy. Against the backdrop of global challenges and the unveiling of the ambitious Hyderabad Declaration, Gandhi’s words set a reflective and forward-looking tone for the summit, which brought together more than 450 international delegates committed to justice, equality, and solidarity in a rapidly shifting world.

‘I did not know how to listen’: Rahul Gandhi

Senior Congress leader and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi reflected on the transformation of democratic politics and his political journey, emphasising the importance of listening and empathy over fear and hatred.

Speaking at the summit, Rahul acknowledged that traditional political strategies no longer work in today’s world, where concentrated capital and media control have reshaped the landscape. “Democratic politics has fundamentally changed. The rules that applied a decade ago don’t work anymore,” he said. He highlighted how opposition voices are now crushed rather than engaged with, prompting his decision to undertake the 4,000-kilometre Bharat Jodo Yatra from Kanyakumari to Kashmir.

Rahul candidly admitted that before the yatra, he did not truly know how to listen. “Our opponents have a monopoly on anger and fear—we cannot fight them on that ground. During the yatra, I spoke less and listened more, and that changed everything,” he said. He shared a poignant story of a woman who, despite fears of domestic violence, joined the march, underscoring how genuine listening reveals the deep struggles people face—struggles politicians often overlook.

He contrasted the opposition’s belief that they have all the answers with his realisation that real solutions come from the people themselves. “It is the people who know what needs to be done—and we must listen,” he emphasised.

Another key lesson for Rahul was the role of love in politics—a word he confessed he had never used in his political career before the yatra. “Once I did, people began to respond,” he said, noting how affection and empathy can disrupt hatred more powerfully than arguments or anger.

Concluding his address, Gandhi said that while policy disagreements are inevitable, the real divide is one of approach: “Their lens is anger, hatred, and fear; ours must be love, affection, and deep listening.” He expressed hope that the summit would help shape a new kind of politics based on these values, not just in India but across the world.

Also Read: Young leaders call for youth in politics at Bharat Summit 2025

The Hyderabad declaration

The Hyderabad Resolution marks a bold call for progressive transformation across the globe. Representing a coalition of social-democratic, socialist, and labour movements, this historic declaration commits to freedom, equality, justice, and solidarity amid a rapidly shifting world order.

Former External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid and Former Swedish Foreign Affairs Minister Ann Linde launched the document. One of the most striking aspects of the Resolution is its stand against rising authoritarianism. It highlights how far-right forces manipulate media, erode democratic institutions, and deepen global inequalities.

Equally powerful is its commitment to reshaping the economic paradigm: advocating for wealth taxes, equitable redistribution, and public oversight over critical infrastructures like food, health, housing, and technology.

The Resolution also strongly emphasises environmental justice, championing a “Global Green Deal” to harmonise economic restructuring with sustainability. Recognising the climate crisis as a grave threat, it calls for urgent measures to protect vulnerable populations, indigenous communities, and future generations.

Gender equality and social inclusion receive particular attention, with demands for transformative leadership opportunities for women and LGBTQ+ individuals, and a firm stance against all forms of discrimination and violence.

In a forward-looking vision for peace and security, the Resolution upholds diplomacy, truth and reconciliation processes, and the fundamental human right to a peaceful, healthy environment. It also stresses reforming global institutions like the UN Security Council to better represent the Global South.

CM, Cabinet bat for Telangana

Telangana Chief Minister Shri Revanth Reddy, addressing over 450 international delegates, highlighted his government’s progressive welfare initiatives. He pointed to India’s largest farmer debt waiver of ₹20,674 crore and annual agricultural subsidies exceeding ₹20,000 crore. Emphasising women’s empowerment, he proudly stated, “Our women entrepreneurs are competing with Adani and Ambani.”

Deputy Chief Minister Shri Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka praised the gathering as a vital platform for exchanging ideas on global justice and peace, aligning with Rahul Gandhi’s vision of Nyay (Justice).

Similarly, Irrigation Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy also touted Telangana as a premier investment destination, calling upon the global community to invest in the state.

(Edited by Ananya Rao)

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