Put petty politics aside, says Rahul Gandhi, as he backs Mamata Banerjee

Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday (May 5, 2026), described the Bharatiya Janata Party’s victory in the West Bengal and Assam Assembly elections as a “theft” of the popular mandate, alleging that it marked a significant step in the party’s purported attempt to “destroy” Indian democracy.

In a post on X, Mr. Gandhi expressed support for the Trinamool Congress (TMC), which was unseated by the BJP in West Bengal, and cautioned against political schadenfreude over the party’s defeat.

Also Read | Assam election results highlights

“Some in the Congress, and others, are gloating about the TMC’s loss. They need to understand this clearly — the theft of Assam and Bengal’s mandate is a big step forward by the BJP in its mission to destroy Indian democracy,” he said.

Urging the political parties to rise above partisan considerations, Mr. Gandhi added, “Put petty politics aside. This is not about one party or another. This is about India.”

Hours after the verdict on Monday (May 5, 2026), Mr. Gandhi had spoken to TMC chief Mamata Banerjee and DMK chief M.K. Stalin on the election results.

Some in the Congress, and others, are gloating about TMC's loss. They need to understand this clearly - the theft of Assam and Bengal's mandate is a big step forward by the BJP in its mission to destroy Indian democracy.Put petty politics aside. This is not about one party or…

“We agree with Mamata ji. More than 100 seats were stolen in Bengal. We have seen this playbook before: Madhya Pradesh. Haryana. Maharashtra. Lok Sabha 2024 etc,” Mr. Gandhi said.

The BJP wrested power from the Trinamool Congress in West Bengal and retained Assam for a third consecutive term, according to the results of the Assembly elections declared on Monday (May 5, 2026).