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This is a question that is hotly discussed in Congress circles and outside.
With the Congress buoyed over the poll victory in three states and being part of government in Jammu and Kashmir, Gandhi was hailed as the ‘third pole’ in Congress after Party President Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
"The Congress is now on the threshold of 3-G technology; we have stood for third generation leaders who are progressive and dynamic and who can provide good governance," party spokesman Abhishek Singhvi says.
But the party appears in no hurry to pitchfork him to the front as one who may be taking over. Sonia Gandhi had answered the question on Independence Day that "certainly" Manmohan Singh will be the Prime Minister if the UPA comes back to power.
In fact, early 2008 saw the AICC not approving senior leader Arjun Singh's statement that there was no harm in projecting Rahul as the PM candidate. That time, party leaders had made it known that Manmohan Singh did not like the idea when he was occupying the prime ministerial chair.
Gandhi, who was inducted as the General Secretary of the AICC in September 2007 and made in-charge of the frontal organisations of NSUI and the IYC, took the opportunity head on.
Gandhi started the process of democratising the functioning of the NSUI and the IYC holding organizational elections for the NSUI in Uttarakhand and IYC in Punjab, to be replicated in these organisations in the rest of the country.
Even though the adoption of the same model in the parent party may not be anyday soon, the 38-year old leader, in a candid admission, described patronage, money, dynasty and relatives as a "bane" which prevents the youth from joining politics.
He described himself as someone who benefited from it as his father, grandmother and great grandfather were the Prime Ministers of the country at a meeting in Uttarakhand.
The year 2008 proved to be a watershed for Gandhi as he came on his own and showed maturity as a politician proving the critics wrong that he would not be able to find his feet in the hurly-burly of Indian politics.
Not only was he made the in-charge of NSUI and the IYC, Gandhi was made a member of several panels within the Congress, prominent being the Future Challenges Committee, the Publicity Committee and the Manifesto Committee.
Party insiders say that in the meetings of these committees and others, they receive valuable inputs from the youth leader and political insight which clearly indicate that he has come of age and is ready to fulfill bigger tasks in the party or the government.
Congress leaders point out that for the first time in 2008, Gandhi seriously looked beyond the family pocket borough of Amethi-Rae Bareilly and the state of Uttar Pradesh.
In the recently-held Assembly elections which the Congress won 3-2, party veterans like Veerappa Moily gave credit to the Amethi MP for the victory, describing him as the ‘star’ and another General Secretary Prithviraj Chavan referring to him as the "third pole" of the party.
Critics say that out of sycophancy senior Congress leaders are going all out for their praise about the scion of what is called the first political family of the country.
Union Minister Arjun Singh started this when he said that "there was nothing wrong" in making Gandhi the Prime Minister of the country. The AICC was not impressed.
But now more leaders are coming out in the open. General Secretary Digvijay Singh says, "Rahul is fully competent to occupy the post of Prime Minister." The former Madhya Pradesh chief minister is not known to speak out of turn in the Congress and his comments found wider acceptability in the party.
Those associated with Gandhi and the Congress say that he is the "Unique Selling Proposition" or the USP of the party in a country which has 65 per cent of its population below the age of 38.
"No other party has a youth ambassador, an icon with whom the youth can connect to and this gives the Congress a headstart and a distinct advantage," says a Congress leader.
He says the question is how to cash in on this USP of the Congress into distinct electoral advantage in the next round of elections.
Gandhi has emerged as the soft, suave, new generation politician of the 21st century who is not bound by political conventions, can make honest admissions, is focused and not bothered about the Opposition barbs, he says.
The young brigade in the Congress rallies around him and hails him as their leader, inside and outside Parliament. This group comprises of Jyotiraditya Scindia, Jitin Prasad, Sachin Pilot, Milind Deora and Sandeep Dikshit amongst others.
When Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati attacked the young leader saying that he cleanses himself with soap after meeting dalits, Gandhi preferred not to reply in the same language as most politicians would do.
BJP President Rajnath Singh referred to him as a 'bachcha (child)' in politics in a remark which was not considered charitable.
Gandhi admitted that he was a 'bachcha' but said that a majority of the country was indeed 'bachcha' and senior politicians would have to look at this segment seriously.
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Mr L K Advani has challenged P M of India Mr Manmohan Singh to contest Lok Sabha election 2009 so that He may also represent a particular Lok Sabha.In view of this I am of the opinion that He should contest Lok Sabha election from Sultan Pur constituency in U.P. so as to give a befitting reply to the statement of present Leader of Opposition Mr L K Advani.Victory of Mr Manmohan Singh will be 100 %.
Terror activities are curse for the entire world and therefore all the terrorists camps, wherever running must be destroyed which is the prime responsibility specially of those countries where terrorists camps are running.This is urgenly required to save the world otherwise all the countries of the world will have to suffer and humanity will be in danger on this earth.
In future, seats won by Regional Parties in the Lok Sabha election is not going to be comfortable.In view of this it will be in the interest of the National Parties not to give more weightage to regional parties specially in Lok Sabha election.National Parties which are better performers should not be worry about their number of winning seats, they are certainly going to win more number of seats this time as compared to previous Lok Sabha elections because people of India are interested now in casting their votes in favour of a party dedicated for development and security only.
Limit of Maximum Pensionable salary needs to be enhanced from existing Rs 6500.00 to Rs 10,000.00 per month for giving nominal pension to crores of people of India in service under social security scheme.
Achievement of the present government must be told to all so that they may decide to vote for a party dedicated for development for all with a emphasis on looking after interest of a common man.
The people of Rewa need new leadership the one who can take them towards allround development. Rewa is blessed with natural beaty and resources and the youngsters are good prospect for for all sorts of services . We need your help to be the part of "vision 2020".
WE DO NOT WANT RAHUL GANDHI . THE MEDIA SHOULD STOP THIS CHAMCHAGIRI AND SHOW SOME SPINE. WHEN THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE STRUGGLING TO MAKE A LIVING AND THE COUNTRY IN SUCH DIRE STRAITS, WHO NEEDS TO KNOW WHAT THIS GUY DOES? I AM SO SICK OF SEEING THIS FAMILY MADE OUT TO BE SOME KIND OF MARTYRS. ABOUT NEHRU THE LESS SAID THE BETTER. INDIRA GANDHI HAD GUTS BUT NO SENSE OF DOING ANYTHING FOR THE PEOPLE. FOR HER INDIA WAS INDIRA./VICE VERSA. SANJAY WAS A SPOILT SPORT WHO USED HIS FAMILY NAME TO GET THINGS. RAJIV, EVEN THOUGH HE WAS INNOCENT INITIALLY, HE TURNED OUT TO BE THE WEAKEST LINK IN THE FAMILY. THIS RAHUL GUY HAS NO BRAINS, NO CHARM(MAYBE SOME GOOD LOOKS) BUT ABSOLUTELY NO IDEA WHAT INDIA AND INDIANS NEED TODAY. HE COPIES OBAMA'S LINES FROM HIS ELECTION CAMPAIGN AND TALKS ABOUT CHANGE. THE ONLY CHANGE WE NEED IS TO BE RID OF THIS FAMILY OF HIS. .
IT IS A PATHETIC SITUATION WITHIN CONGRESS AND AMONG SOME MEDIAS THAT ALL KITCH AND KINS (EXCEPT VARUN GANDHI) OF NEHRU CLAN ARE BORN TO LEAD INDIA. THE OVER 1 BILLION POPULATION, THERE IS NONE IN INDIA TO COMPETE THEM IN TERMS OF ABILITY, INTELLIGENCE, WISDOM AND LEADERSHIP. IF YOU ASK RAHUL GANDHI AS TO HOW MANY RALLIES HE LED CALLING FOR REDRESSAL OF GRIEVANCES OF THE PUBLIC, HE WILL LOOK AT THE SKY. IF YOU ASK HIM, HOW MANY STATES AND UNION TERRITORIES ARE THERE IN INDIA, MOST PROBABLY, HE WILL AGAIN LOOK AT THE SKY!. IF YOU ASK HIM THE NAMES OF THOSE MAINSTREAM POLITICAL PARTIES IN INDIA, HE WILL NOW LOOK DOWN ! BUT HE IS THE GENERAL SECRETARY !!! OF THE CONGRESS PARTY, A POSITION SOMEONE OCCUPYING AFTER WORKING IN CONGRESS FOR 35 YEARS !! LET US PRAY, AN OCCASSION WILL NOT COME FOR INDIA TO BE GIVEN IN THE HANDS OF RAHUL TO PLAY WITH ITS FATE !!
It is not emergng but induced making
Is he emerging or the media make it ? Even a panjayathu president in India or even a booth committe member of congress party is more eligible than him. However there are a number of columnists in Engish media who are finding their bread and butter by licking feet of nehru family...when will it end? Is it a call for another movement for freedom?
Unlike his father or uncle (Sanjay Gandhi), Rahul has nothing in his credit to claim. Wherever he went for electioneering, the Congress lost !. He went to UP, a State which reels under poverty and hardship ridden majority, to bring back the Congress, but the BSP secured a historic win. He has a personal charisma; but neither a vote catcher or a leader who can lead a political party to prosper. He could not finalize a married life even. Abhishek Singhvi, virtually being a lawyer, used to deliver very broad statements and live in that shade within the congress. Now, as the general election is nearing, we can witness a competition among Congressmen, who will highlight the "achievements" of Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, Vadhera in the "freedom struggle" of the country !! Sonia Gandhi, for fear of a threat to her leadership keeps the power group changing, with the latest being Pranab, Antony, Chidambaram. All earstwhile leaders are dumped into Bay of Bengal !!
Congress must think out of box. Because of their Muslim appeasement policy the fall out is the 26/11 mumbai attack. This party seems forgotten governans. They know only dirty politics. They failed party to differentiate difference between politics and governance. As per as Mumbai attacks of 26/11 the congress party failed in all aspects. Because of this party's Muslim appeasement policy which sent wronge signals to terrorists who attacted India. At least congress should rise above vote politics and start thinking about India and its governenans. Rise above Nehru-Gandhi family . Think about able leaders who can lead contry. Mr. Rahul gandhi is atill novice and he allowed to lead country it may lead disastrous for the contry.
He has been a willing accomplice last 4 years with his mother in the slaughter of innocent Indians for muslim votes. The fact that he was partying on the time of Mumbai attacks speaks volumes about him.
Rahul Gandhi as a politician has to prove more to the people and must wait for sometime to understand the inner flow of Indian politics otherwise he will be martyre of dirty politics.So it is my opinion that Rahul must study the under currents of our politricks and at present it is negotible that let support Manmohan in his vendure and let him try tostrengthen the congress party
Please no more Ghandis. We are sick of that clan.
rahul gandhi is todays polilical hero of younge india.
Really !!! you think so....go follow him.....ask Rahul Gandhi what he does for a living ?? ....unfortunately I dont think your grands parents left so much money for you to do the same !!!
As the earlier heroes from the same dynasty were less in bringing misfortune for the country that we need more leaders from them.Does only 1 family has all the leaders
Is it a news or PR job for 'yuvraj"Rahul?How come 38 yrs old(In Indian term, 38 yrs old is season grahasti with school going kids) cast tobe leader of youth wing or student wing of Congress party?Of couese, Congress party is a personal fiefdom or jagir of Ghandi dynasty.Only qualification of Rahul,just like other children of leaders,is the dynasty.of couse,he is more than equal,belong to Nehru sultanate.Sokeman,Abhishekh Sanghvi is lawyer.He presented Rahul case.That is not a news.Unless Indian Express is doing PR job for rise of Rahul.That is a chamechegiri,not journalism.
Rahul is too naive and inexperienced to be of any significance to Indian politics. He is still seen as new comer, and has not gained any credibility among rest of the Indian politician.He is still very much under the shadow of his mother and other senior leaders of Congress.It is very evident that politics has been forced upon Rahul Gandhi as his personality, lack of ability to speak any Indian language fluently are very evident.He is a shy, introvert kind of person, whereas politics demands an extrovert, outspoken personalities.He is a dwarf among seasoned politicians such as Lalu, Adwani, Sharad Pawar, and even Mayawati would far out-wit the little kid.
To get any job, a person must be qualified and experienced enough but interesting to know that anyone from a particular clan can qualify to become next PM of India?
Why? What has he done? Or what is he going to do? What is he capable of doing? Is the Congress Party hard up for leaders? Has no one else in the Congress Party shown any leadership qualities?
I do not know that if any victory of congress in any state has any contribution of Rahul Gandhi. Congress' recent victory in states like Delhi, Rajasthan are the victories of its regional leaders like Sheela Dixit and Ashok Gahlot rather than Rahul Gandhi.But I really do not understand why Indian media is so generous when it comes to Rahul Gandhi. After all media management is congress's forte that BJP needs to learn, esp Narendra Modi.
rahul is trying hard as is congress. but indian politicalclass is so much divided that next election will not give a clear mandate and hence if congress has anupper hand it will again be manmohan singh with rahul getting a defacto power position which may be used in future for higher posts. if any other combination comes ahead rahul will become powerful only in congress party.
IT LOOKS AS A JOKE, WHEN CONGRESS TALKS ABOUT THEIR RETURNING TO POWER AND RAHUL GANDHI'S ROLE ETC. WHAT IS THE PROSPECT FOR CONGRESS TO DREAM IT? TRAVEL FROM SOUTH TO NORTH AND EAST TO WEST. KERALA IS A MARXIST BASTION; BUT MIGHT CONCEDE FEW SEATS TO CONGRESS FROM THE 20. TAMIL NADU IS A CLOSED STATE FOR CONGRESS. SO IS KARNATAKA AS THE RECENT ASSEMBLY BY-ELECTION SHOWED. ANDHRA, THE EMERGENCE OF CHIRANJEEVI IS A REAL THREAT AND MAHARASHTRA IS NO COMFORT FOR CONGRESS. GUJARAT IS CLOSED, SO IS MP AND CHATISGARH. RAJASTHAN IT DID NOT WIN; BUT RULING WITH INDEPENDENTS. COULD SWING OTHER SIDE IF GUJJARS SLIP AWAY. DELHI, DUE TO HEFTY PACKAGE TO CENTRAL GOVT. EMPLOYEES, MIGHT DO GOOD; BUT PUNJAB IS CLOSED, SO IS W.BENGAL, UP, BIHAR, ORISSA, JHARKHUND AND HIMACHAL PRADESH. SO, IS THE CONGRESS GOING TO RULE INDIA WITH KASHMIR, PONDICHERRY, MIZORAM, FEW SEATS FROM ASSAM AND OTHER N-E STATES? SO, ITS A CRUEL JOKE, IF SOMEONE TALK ABOUT THE ROLE OF RAHUL GANDHI ETC. AT THIS POINT.