Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi has elaborated on his Jiu-Jitsu analogy aimed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, arguing that the prime minister is caught in unseen political “grips” and a tightening “choke” that constrain his choices and shape government policy.Speaking after his remarks in Parliament drew sharp responses from treasury benches, Gandhi said the metaphor was intended to describe what he views as structural pressures operating behind the scenes. He maintained that the head of government appears dominant in public but is bound by alliances, ideological commitments and economic interests that limit his manoeuvrability.
Gandhi’s comments come at a time when parliamentary exchanges between the government and the opposition have grown more combative, particularly over economic management, unemployment, federal relations and national security. As Leader of the Opposition since June 2024, following the general election that returned Modi for a third term at the head of the National Democratic Alliance, Gandhi has sought to sharpen Congress’s attack lines while positioning himself as a principal counterweight to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party.
In explaining the analogy, Gandhi said Jiu-Jitsu involves using leverage and subtle holds rather than brute force. He suggested that the prime minister is entangled in political constraints that are “not visible to the public”, including the expectations of coalition partners and the influence of powerful corporate actors. Without naming specific entities, he argued that these pressures have shaped decisions on privatisation, regulatory policy and the distribution of economic gains.
The prime minister and senior BJP figures have rejected the characterisation, describing Gandhi’s remarks as theatrical and disconnected from governance realities. Government spokespersons have pointed to macroeconomic indicators, infrastructure spending and welfare schemes as evidence of policy coherence and leadership autonomy. They have also argued that the NDA’s majority in the Lok Sabha, though slimmer than in 2019, provides sufficient stability for policy execution.
The exchange reflects a broader contest over narrative. Gandhi has increasingly framed his critique around concentration of economic power, allegations of cronyism and what he calls institutional weakening. He has cited the performance of small and medium enterprises, rural distress and concerns over youth employment as areas where he believes the government is constrained by its own policy choices and political alliances.
Modi’s administration, for its part, has emphasised capital expenditure, digitalisation, manufacturing incentives and welfare transfers as pillars of growth. Officials have highlighted improvements in infrastructure rollout, expansion of direct benefit transfers and steps to position the country as a global manufacturing and services hub. The government has also underscored foreign investment inflows and its handling of geopolitical tensions as signs of strategic steadiness.
Political analysts note that metaphors drawn from sport or martial arts are not uncommon in parliamentary rhetoric, but Gandhi’s elaboration indicates an effort to translate a vivid image into a broader political thesis. By portraying the prime minister as constrained rather than omnipotent, Congress appears to be attempting to challenge the aura of decisiveness that has been central to Modi’s political brand since 2014.
The analogy also speaks to the altered arithmetic in the current Lok Sabha. The BJP remains the single largest party, yet its dependence on regional allies has grown. Coalition management has historically required accommodation and negotiation, particularly on state-specific demands and sensitive legislative proposals. While the government has advanced key bills, including those linked to economic reform and administrative changes, it has also had to navigate dissent and recalibrate timelines.
Gandhi’s remarks have drawn mixed reactions beyond party lines. Some regional leaders have avoided direct endorsement but have echoed concerns about federal balance and resource allocation. Others have criticised the tone of the debate, arguing that sustained policy scrutiny requires detailed evidence rather than metaphor.
Within Congress, the episode is seen as part of a strategy to maintain visibility in Parliament and in public discourse. Since assuming the formal role of Leader of the Opposition, Gandhi has sought to consolidate opposition coordination while sharpening thematic critiques. Party strategists believe that sustained pressure on economic and institutional issues can resonate with segments of the electorate ahead of key state elections.
Supporters of the prime minister counter that repeated personal analogies risk trivialising complex policy debates. They argue that governance outcomes should be assessed through measurable indicators such as growth rates, inflation trends, fiscal management and social sector delivery rather than rhetorical devices.