‘Lost Gandhis Must Step Aside’: Ahmed Patel’s Son Blames Rahul & Priyanka for Bihar Debacle

In an unprecedented internal criticism within the Congress party, Faisal Patel, son of late Congress strategist Ahmed Patel, has openly blamed Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra for the party’s disastrous performance in the recent Bihar assembly elections.

Congress managed to win only six seats, marking one of its poorest performances in the state.

Faisal Patel Calls Gandhi Siblings “Inept”

Faisal Patel did not mince words, calling Rahul and Priyanka the “lost Gandhis” and stating they are “inept” and must “step aside” for the party to survive and rebuild.

Rahul Gandhi had described the Bihar results as “truly surprising” and accused the electoral process of being “unfair.” But Faisal outright dismissed that reasoning, saying that blaming the system was not the solution.

“Time for Capable Leaders to Take Charge”

Faisal Patel argued that the Congress needs competent and dynamic leadership, naming Shashi Tharoor and Digvijaya Singh as leaders who are “25 times worthier than the Gandhi scions.”

He framed the leadership crisis as not just a party matter, but a concern for Indian democracy, which needs a strong and credible Opposition.

A Break from Ahmed Patel’s Legacy

What makes Faisal’s remarks significant is the contrast with his father’s legacy.
Ahmed Patel was one of the Gandhi family’s closest advisers and a key troubleshooter for the party for decades.

Faisal’s sharp critique signals rising discomfort within a section of the Congress cadre that wants a shift from family-based leadership to merit-based leadership.

Possible Shift Toward BJP?

Adding to the political tremor, Faisal Patel is reportedly in contact with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, fueling speculation that he may join the BJP.

He has openly praised the Modi government’s handling of Operation Sindoor, calling it an example of “great leadership.”

He has also pushed back against Rahul Gandhi’s endorsement of Donald Trump’s criticism of India’s economy, saying he “would not have agreed” with the “dead economy” remark.