New Delhi, India

Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha on Saturday (Jul 6) reached out to the United Kingdom's Conservative Party leader Rishi Sunak and the newly elected Prime Minister Keir Starmer, addressing both on their recent electoral outcomes.

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Commiserations to Sunak

In a letter to Indian-origin Rishi Sunak — the recently dethroned former UK PM —  Gandhi expressed his sympathies regarding the Conservative Party's defeat. 

He remarked that "victories and setbacks are both an inevitable part of the journey in a democracy, and we must take both in our stride."

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Rahul Gandhi, Rishi Sunak

The Congress leader lauded Sunak's dedication to public service and his efforts to strengthen ties between India and the UK during his tenure as the British Prime Minister, and said: "I would like to extend my commiserations on the recent electoral outcome."

Also read | Who'll replace Rishi Sunak as next Tory leader? Here are the top five candidates

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"Your dedication to public service and commitment to your people are commendable. I also deeply value the efforts you made to strengthen the ties between India and the UK during your term in office," Gandhi wrote, as per the letter posted on social media platform X by his party members. 

He expressed confidence that Sunak will continue to contribute to public life and said, "I wish you all the best for your future endeavours."

Congratulations to Starmer

Rahul Gandhi, in another letter, extended congratulations to the new UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer for his landslide victory in the general election. 

On Friday (Jul 5) the Labour Party secured an impressive 412 seats in the 650-member House of Commons, marking their landslide victory.

In his letter, Gandhi praised the Labour Party's focus on economic growth.

Rahul Gandhi, Kier Starmer

"I extend my heartiest congratulations on your remarkable electoral victory, a significant achievement for the Labour Party and for you personally. Your campaign's emphasis on economic growth with equality, better opportunities for all through stronger social services, and community empowerment clearly struck a chord with the people of the UK, reflecting their aspirations for a brighter future," he said.

Also read | Straight bat, smooth drives: What UK's election culture can teach India 

Furthermore, the Congress leader, said that he too believed in the same ideals stated by Labour in their campaign.

"As someone committed to these ideals, I congratulate you and the people of the UK for championing them. Your victory is a testament to the power of a politics that puts people first," he wrote. 

He also emphasised the importance of continuing to strengthen the bilateral relationship between India and the UK.

"I wish you all the best for your tenure, and I look forward to meeting you in the near future," Rahul Gandhi concluded.

(With inputs from agencies)