‘First Win…’: Russian Grandmaster’s Comeback On Rahul Gandhi's Chess Proficiency; Issues Clarification Later

In a witty reaction to Congress’ claims that Rahul Gandhi is an experienced politician and chess player, Russian chess legend Garry Kasparov said tradition dictates that “you should first win from Raebareli before challenging for the top”.

Taking to social media platform X, Kasparov wrote, “Traditional dictates that you should first win from Raebareli before challenging for the top!”

The chess legend’s post was in response to a post on X that read, “Feel so relieved that @Kasparov63 and @vishy64theking retired early and didn’t have to face the greatest chess genius of our times.”

Earlier in the day, Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh hailed Rahul Gandhi as “an experienced player of politics and chess” and said it was part of the larger strategy of Congress. His defence came amid criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the decision to field Rahul Gandhi from Raebareli Lok Sabha seat instead of Amethi.

Before Kasparov’s superannuation, 17-year-old D Gukesh from Chennai had scripted history by winning the 2024 Candidates Tournament in Canada, becoming the youngest-ever challenger to the world title, beating the record set by Russian chess legend Garry Kasparov at the age of 20 in 1984.

Kasparov Clarifies His Post Later

Soon after his cheeky post on Rahul Gandhi’s love for chess grabbed everyone’s attention, Russian chess great Garry Kasparov issued a clarification saying that he hopes that his “little joke” on Indian politics does not pass for “advocacy or expertise”. Within hours of asking Gandhi to “first win Rae Bareli before challenging for the top”, the 61-year-old said it was just a joke and should be seen as one.

“I very much hope my little joke does not pass for advocacy or expertise in Indian politics! But as an ‘all-seeing monster with 1000 eyes,’ as I was once described, I cannot fail to see a politician dabbling in my beloved game!” the former world champion, who retired in 2005, wrote in response to a post by actor Ranvir Shorey.

Lok Sabha Raebareli Representatives

Earlier this month, Sonia Gandhi took oath as a Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament (MP) from Rajasthan, leaving the seat vacant after former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s tenure ended on April 3.

When Sonia Gandhi decided to leave Raebareli, she wrote an open letter to voters, saying, “Due to health and increasing age, I will not contest the next Lok Sabha elections. After this decision, I will not get the opportunity to serve you directly, but certainly, my heart and soul will always be with you.” She had held the seat since 2004.

In 1952, Feroze Gandhi first contested from Raebareli. Indira Gandhi ensured that the legacy of the family was imprinted on this prestigious seat. When Sonia Gandhi decided to seek a recontest in 2006, after resigning over the possibility of the government bringing in an ordinance on the office of profit issue, she won with a larger margin than in 2004.

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