Congress leader tells students public life demands resilience, values and readiness to face hardships
March 6, 2026: Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Friday described politics as an “unpleasant job,” saying those who wish to enter public life with strong values must be prepared for significant challenges. Speaking to students at Marian College Kuttikkanam (Autonomous) in Idukki district of Kerala, Gandhi said serious political work demands resilience and the ability to endure criticism and pressure. He told students that individuals working in politics for the right reasons should be ready to face hardships and setbacks along the way.
Gandhi explained that people entering politics generally face a choice between two very different paths. One path focuses on personal gain and comfort, while the other is driven by the desire to defend ideas and values. According to him, choosing the path of values often means facing difficulties, but it also allows a person to learn more and contribute meaningfully to society. The easier path, he suggested, may offer material benefits but limits the opportunity to create real impact.
Reflecting on his own experience, Gandhi said many people had warned him that honesty and transparency were difficult to maintain in politics. However, he said he refuses to accept that belief and continues to test the possibility that public life can still be guided by integrity. Gandhi added that he constantly tries to understand how transparent a political leader can remain while navigating the challenges of modern politics.