Rahul Gandhi, a senior Congress leader, stepped onto the stage at a college in Kochi and demonstrated a series of aikido moves, a martial art in which he holds a black belt.
The gesture was part of a broader youth‑engagement drive aimed at connecting with Gen Z voters ahead of the upcoming national elections.
During the demonstration, Gandhi said that strength depends less on force and more on posture, adding that "women are much more powerful," a comment that echoed the party’s gender‑equity messaging.
Students watched with rapt attention, and the clip quickly amassed millions of views on social media, sparking debate across the internet.
In response, Congress officials announced that the footage will be incorporated into the party’s next rally to showcase Gandhi’s message of empowerment and to attract young female voters.
The move comes as the party seeks fresh ways to re‑brand itself and reconnect with a demographic that has historically turned away from traditional politics.