Priti Prakash
There have always been times in history when politics has been seen standing at vantage points. Elections 2024 was one of them. Interestingly the maths in Parliament and Indian politics had an element of paradox. The descendence of Modi and BJP with a near half way majority of 240 seats in Lok Sabha and the ascendence of Rahul Gandhi and Congress with mere 99 seats, although up from its lowest number a decade back, was hope inducing. The last 10 years, Modi ruled as a despot with socialist narrative and a capitalist approach. Everything was Modified. Schemes, government programmes, media, even Stadiums.
The grand old party at its lowest with no full time President for the first time since Independence, was on crutches. Rahul Gandhi was derided all the time. From Pappu to Shahzada, to Khan market gang he graduated to Balak Buddhi (by PM Modi). He too was a reluctant part time politician. Whatever he did or tried to do as Congress President was called as his casual approach. In these 10 years Congress lost many state elections, won some too. His ‘personality’ was more a subject of discussion amongst the rich and poor alike.
In the run up to the general election 2024, came the Bharat Jodo yatra that saw Rahul Gandhi on road with common people. They wept their souls out to him and he touched their hearts as someone who would listen to an aam aadmi’s plight. It was a learning curve for him too. Happening much before the General Elections, although it was said to be non political, the yatra quite did the ground work for Rahul Gandhi’s politics.
The second Bharat Jodo Yatra, from East to West on the eve of elections was a much closer call. It embedded Rahul Gandhi in the minds and hearts of the rest of India. These two Yatras were the inflection point. Congress won 99 seats in the Lok Sabha elections, almost 100 percent more than the last tally. This was a huge jump for Congress and the image of Rahul Gandhi. Rahul now looked as a serious full time politician. He addressed multiple rallies each day taking BJP & PM Modi head on. The transformation that was the result of his thousands of kilometres yatra on foot crisscrossing India was evident.
His crescendo moment was his speech in the Parliament on the opening day of the first session after elections. Elected as the Leader of Opposition and the 11 Allies of INDIA alliance, speaking as the LoP he unabashedly attacked the Modi government and BJP on basic issues people and country at large were facing with special emphasis on NEET scam. So in these times when he talks of unemployment, crony capitalism, Manipur violence, Inflation and Hindutva politics, for people he is the Hero.
No one can deny the fact that all these years it was Rahul Gandhi who solely dared confront Modi & his governance challenging his priorities, particularly naming Adani and Ambani. The past decade has seen him take a pivotal position in shaping the political landscape of India. I would attribute much of it to the yatras followed by the Election campaigning.
It will be worth reminding here that the lineage of a Rahul Gandhi does not afford him the liberty of choosing to be in politics or not. It is a cross that he has to bear. Unlike other political kids he has been witness to his grandmother's, then his father's murders. In the toxic world of politics he has survived yet, got up, dusted himself and pitched himself against the cruelest of systems.
Whether as Pappu or a part time politician his influence and presence can be felt across various facets of Indian political discourse, making him a central figure in both the Congress Party and the broader national arena. His recent speech (July 23, 2024) at the Budget session crafted around the Farm Bill brought by the BJP in its last tenure put the government in the dock. PM Modi outside Parliament appeared down and defensive, almost complaining that the Opposition in Parliament is throttling the voice of the Prime Minister. He has forgotten the times when the microphones of the opposition were switched off intermittently, when 142 members were suspended on raising questions and demanding the PM speak in the house on important matters and when elected Chief Ministers and other ministers were put in jail, are still there for months even with lack of any credible evidence.
So how is Rahul Gandhi changing Indian politics!
Unlike many traditional politicians who maintain a distant and formal approach, Rahul seems to be emphasizing a more accessible and grassroots-oriented style. As seen lately his actively engaging with citizens, particularly youth and marginalized communities (the loco drivers or the daily wagers), through direct interactions, town hall meetings (with students or party workers), and social media platforms has bridged the gap between the political elite and the common people, making politics more inclusive and participatory.
The Gandhi scion is championing issues that resonate with the masses. His emphasis on social justice, minority rights, and economic equality, empowering women and ensuring education for all is what’s striking people's imagination. That has galvanized support from diverse sections of society and has positioned him as a leader who is at least addressing peoples' most pressing issues.
As for Congress party, Rahul Gandhi’s efforts have sought to rejuvenate the party's appeal among voters, especially the younger demographic.
Despite facing criticism and challenges, Rahul Gandhi's impact is undeniable. Beyond his role as a leader of the Congress Party and now the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, he is reshaping political discourse and priorities in the country.
Indian politics is seeing a generational shift. Younger blood is not just taking interest in politics but is ready to be groomed for it as well. Prodigies, if through merit, are no devils. Some have shown great acumen as politicians. The presence of a Gaurav Gogoi, Jyotiraditya Sindhya, Deependra Hooda, Jaiveer Gill, Alka Lamba, Sachin Pilot, Tejaswi Yadav, Chirag Paswan, Tejaswi Surya and many more bring youthfulness of ideas and energy to the aging politics of the country. These are changing times and should be welcomed. The only condition being that democracy hails and we stand one and strong as a nation.
