'Can't fail to see a politician dabbling in my beloved game!': Garry Kasparov clarifies his 'little joke' on Rahul Gandhi's chess skills

In response to Congress MP Rahul Gandhi's claim of being the top chess player among Indian politicians, Kasparov jokingly quipped that Gandhi should "first win Rae Bareli before challenging for the top."

However, shortly after, the 61-year-old clarified that his remark was made in jest and should not be interpreted as political advocacy or expertise.

"I very much hope my little joke does not pass for advocacy or expertise in Indian politics! But as an 'all-seeing monster with 1000 eyes,' as I was once described, I cannot fail to see a politician dabbling in my beloved game!"Kasparov said.

Kasparov's response came following actor Ranvir Shorey's seemingly sarcastic comment about Gandhi's chess abilities.

The former world champion, who retired in 2005, reiterated his stance in responses to various other accounts that engaged with his original post.

The incident unfolded when a user on X (formerly Twitter) humorously expressed relief that Kasparov and Indian chess legend Viswanathan Anand retired early, thus avoiding facing "the greatest chess genius of our times".

Kasparov, renowned for his outspoken criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin and currently residing in Croatia, surprisingly replied to the post, asserting, "Traditional (sic) dictates that you should first win from Raebareli before challenging for the top."

In the Congress video, Gandhi described Kasparov as a "non-linear thinker" and drew parallels between chess and politics, suggesting that as one progresses in the game, the opponent's pieces start to function almost like one's own.

Gandhi, who recently filed his nomination from Rae Bareli in Uttar Pradesh and is also contesting from Wayanad, made these remarks.

Kasparov, a former world number one for a record 255 weeks, achieved the distinction of being the youngest-ever undisputed world champion at the age of 22 in 1985.

He has since turned into a political activist and is a contemporary of Indian chess legend Viswanathan Anand.

When 17-year-old D Gukesh surpassed Kasparov's record by becoming the youngest challenger to the world title after winning the Candidates Tournament in Toronto, Kasparov congratulated him on X, referring to Gukesh as "the Indian earthquake in Toronto."