He’s been called the “Quiet Revolutionary“. And India’s prime minister-in-waiting. But does Rahul Gandhi, a virtual novice in the rough and tumble of Indian politics, have what it takes for the country’s top job?
He didn’t exactly set the house on fire during his first five years in parliament. And until this election, Rahul’s only USP was that he belonged to India’s first family, the Nehru-Gandhi family which has given the country three prime ministers.
He’s only 39, and has no experience with complex subjects such as Pakistan or the economy.
But after the recent election, Rahul has emerged as a savvy politician, a grassroots activist with a finger on the pulse of the real India.
His strategy of not allying with any of the regional parties in northern India despite pressure from party officials paid off big time.
The Congress party’s decision to go it alone in northern India helped it more than double its seats in Uttar Pradesh.
Initially, based just on his political strategy for this election, there was much speculation over whether he would join the cabinet, and if he did what portfolio he’d get.
Eventually, Rahul wasn’t a part of the cabinet, but he’s still seen as the face of the Congress party from now on — and perhaps prime minister at some point in the future.
But isn’t there a danger he could be sidelined if he isn’t part of the federal cabinet?
Sure, he has age on his side and he can learn over the next five years. Besides, like his father, Rajiv, he appeals to millions of young voters in India.
But he’s not alone in that sense. He is part of a new generation of young parliamentarians like Sachin Pilot and Jyotiraditya Scindia who have a completely new perspective on politics.
So the question many in India are asking is: could Rahul Gandhi be overshadowed by other younger politicians who are in the cabinet?
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