Now the revived young Gandhi is back after meditation and rejuvenation. The fact worth appreciating about Congress is that, everyone was tight lipped about Rahul’s location. Media and opposition was hell bent on knowing the Gandhi scion’s location but he silently made his way out. Social media especially, Modi BJP supporters made lots of fun about his absence, but Congress workers staunchly stood by their young leader. Rahul has been facing severe criticism ever since Congress’s decimation in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections in which his party managed to win just 44 seats in the 545-member House. His sudden absence from the political scene gave his rivals another chance to question his leadership qualities and interest in politics.
Rahul is an ordinary MP who has the potential of a leader. His substantial contribution both inside and outside parliament is worth noticing. Every political party has its lows and highs as the political leader, fine his party could not do well, and he wanted to be out for some time. So what’s the big deal in it? Why so much space is assigned for a non-event? The country has much larger issues or events which merit attention of media. Why make such a noise about his leave? At least we know that he was out of the country. There are so many Hon’ble MPs, whom people do not even know whether they are existing nor not, and what are they doing. Not a single news item appears about them anywhere in the media for several months and even years till the next election arrives. Outraging one particular leader just because he is born in Nehru Gandhi family is unfair.
Rahul will be addressing a farmers’ rally on Land Bill issue at the Ramlila Maidan on April 19. BJP proposed Land Acquisition Bill is intended to help corporate bodies and deprive the farmers their sustainable livelihood. The legislation if implemented in its present form will enable corporate houses like Adani, Ambani and Birla to not only buy farmers land, but they can also acquire districts and even a state. The rally would be a turning point in the Gandhi scion’s political carrier if he successfully handles the issue by challenging the ruling government.
Rahul had spearheaded an agitation in 2011 from Bhatta Parsaul in Uttar Pradesh against forcible land acquisition of farmers that had culminated into enactment of Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013. Seeking to put pressure on the Modi dispensation, Congress is planning a massive mobilisation of farmers across the country. The rally also assumes significance as it is being held on the eve of the opening of the second phase of the Budget session of Parliament and at a time when the government has re-propagated the Land Acquisition Ordinance. The rally is being held on the eve of the second phase of the Budget session of Parliament. Rahul had skipped the first phase which saw the Congress taking on the government over the land bill issue. Party leaders voiced confidence that Rahul will provide leadership with dynamism and commitment and take pro-active measures.
Even while Rahul Gandhi has been away on his leave of absence, a group of the party’s young leaders has worked on a series of innovative strategies to ensure the success of his comeback event. The rally, will be addressed by both Rahul and Sonia Gandhi, is the first mega event that the party is organising after a difficult year which has seen them decimated in every major electoral contest. Simultaneously, it will also be an opportunity for the next generation of the party’s leaders to showcase their ability ahead of an expected realignment. The key areas for mobilising people for the rally will be the neighbouring States of Haryana and Rajasthan with contingents led by Sachin Pilot and Deepender Singh Hooda, both key lieutenants of Rahul Gandhi.
Pilot plans to bring thousands of farmers and party workers in a special train called “Kisan Express”. One coach will be reserved for women farmers wearing traditional Rajasthani attire and the entire train will be decked in flags and posters carrying slogans such as “Narendra Modi Kisan Virodhi” (Narendra Modi is an enemy of farmers). All have been instructed to wear pink turbans as it is the colour of prosperity in the State. Farmers had achieved a lot of prosperity during the rule of UPA and we want to remind the current government that they will only be with a party that helps them. A large number of people are also expected to come from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
Ever since the announcement of his temporary break from political life there has been speculation that he was unhappy with not getting a free hand to run the party, a contention which the party has officially denied. During his absence, several party leaders including former Chief Ministers Amarinder Singh and Sheila Dikshit came out in the open pitching for Sonia Gandhi to continue as president and raised questions over his leadership.
Its high time people should stop ridiculing Rahul Gandhi, let’s give him a fair chance. He will be an intelligent politician. He is not at least like many politicians who are dubious, criminal and corrupt. Dynasty politics is better than communal politics. Media too should not speculate on Rahul’s personal life. It is the time for everyone in Congress to collectively move ahead. Rahul has been an integral part of Congress for 11 years. The Youth Congress was Rahul’s idea. He has always remained active.
