A former Congress leader's video criticizing Rahul Gandhi's leadership has fueled BJP claims of internal authoritarianism and electoral failure.

A video of former Congress leader Shakeel Ahmed referring to Rahul Gandhi as the "virtual President" and criticizing his leadership has fueled BJP claims that Gandhi undermines party democracy, marginalizes grassroots leaders, and is to blame for the Congress' near-total electoral losses. According to BJP officials, Gandhi wields power behind the scenes, is disconnected from voters, and has marginalized senior leaders such as Ahmed, who claims he hasn't met Gandhi in five years. The BJP cited Gandhi's remarks as evidence of internal authoritarianism and declining party strength, pointing to nearly 100 electoral defeats under his influence.