Rahul Gandhi may be a strong contender for the post of PM, these are 3 big reasons giving indications

Chetan Bhagat In May 2011, I wrote an article about the potential rise of Narendra Modi to the national level. That column was widely mocked. And yet, Modi is now in his/her third term. Perhaps this column will be mocked too, as it is about the potential rise of Rahul Gandhi to the national level. In 2024, this may seem premature, as the Congress will be on just 99 seats. However, the signs are all there. If Rahul plays his/her cards right, he/she could be a serious contender for the post of Prime Minister, which was unimaginable till a few months ago. This is due to three main factors. Let us look at each further:

1. Rahul’s new personality

Is it some new fitness program, supplement, meditation practice or coaching? Or is it the result of the Bharat Jodo Yatra? Because, there is a distinct personality difference between the Rahul of 2024 and the Rahul of 2014 or 2019. The biggest change is that he/she is coherent. A few years ago, Rahul would start talking about a high-level concept, get bogged down in explaining it and get confused. Now, the pitch, delivery and even the content of his/her speeches are precise. he/she may not always be right, but at least he/she is able to clearly articulate what he/she wants to say.

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Second, they now make eye contact. In earlier years, Rahul would not make eye contact. This showed a lack of confidence and made it difficult to connect with him/her. Now, he/she looks directly into the listener’s eyes or into the camera. Third, Rahul is fearless. he/she is willing to talk about tough subjects. Like his/her recent scathing attack on Hinduism and the BJP in Parliament. Taking on the BJP on the issue of religion requires a different level of oratory (as opposed to attacking policy) and Rahul did that. his/her social media game is also great. his/her being young and fit helps connect with young voters. This too and whoever helped Rahul make this turnaround – good job!

2. People are listening to Rahul

All the above reforms would have been useless if the country was still full of hope from the BJP. Voters handed power to the BJP in 2014 with almost unrealistic expectations. People believed that this new government would bring massive economic growth, eliminate corruption, build roads, improve education, create jobs, correct all historical Hindu wrongs, and bring India and Hindus back to the glory days of a few thousand years ago, when everything was apparently perfect. Oh! Long list, isn’t it?

Now all this seems a bit excessive but at the time, Indians were sure that our time had come. There would be a great rebirth of civilisation! Just let this government do what it wants to do! Ten years on since 2014, we all know how few of these hopes have been fulfilled. Of course, there have been some improvements. However, are they any more than the 2004-2014 period? Go to any Indian railway station at night and see how many people still sleep on the floor, waiting for their crowded train to arrive. This will tell you what India is like even today.

No, we are not going to rule the world anytime soon. In the meantime, we also have social issues like Partition. It is no surprise that at least some voters are more willing to listen to the alternative. A better Rahul comes at a time when there is an audience for him/her.

3. BJP boost

Every hero needs a story. In the story, the hero usually faces injustice, enormous hardships and dangers and overcomes them all to survive. The BJP’s selfish goals must also be credited with making Rahul a hero. Quite unfairly, but quite effectively (for a while), the BJP managed to sell a ‘Pappu’ or inept, incompetent image of Rahul. Rahul’s earlier lack of coherence and lack of eye contact helped cement this image.

It could have been left there. However, the BJP decided to go after him/her. They tried their best to disqualify him/her as an MP, evict him/her from his/her MP bungalow and take all sorts of actions. If he/she was Pappu, why go after him/her so aggressively? Freezing Congress accounts and imposing a media blackout did not help either. Persecution of a political opponent often backfires, and that is what happened here.

However, Rahul’s emergence does not mean that his/her place at the top awaits him/her or is devoid of challenges. his/her biggest weakness is the burden of dynasty he/she carries, and all the past sins of the Congress. To get rid of the dynasty tag, there is only one solution – pure merit and dedication to the job. To show that despite a lucky chance, you are working hard to get your place. As for the past sins of the Congress, the best strategy may be to accept them and use them as lessons for the future.

The 2024 elections have finally created a level playing field in India. The BJP is a strong fighter, and it will fight hard to win back lost ground. Also, if Rahul plays his/her cards right, his/her time may come.