The rise and rise of Rahul Gandhi

Ajith Vijay Kumar A day is a long time in politics, what was all but a possibility is reality now – the UPA under the leadership of Dr Manmohan Singh has made a stunning comeback and is all set to form the next government. The credit undoubtedly belongs to the PM and the UPA convener Sonia Gandhi, but what has not been lost in the euphoria is the contribution of Congress’ youth icon Rahul Gandhi in ensuring this stunning success. Notwithstanding the shy demeanour, Rahul Gandhi, post elections 2009, has emerged as a very determined leader who can actually deliver. Surely, this cute looking scion of India’s first political family, who was inducted as General Secretary of the AICC in September 2007, has emerged from the shadows of his illustrious lineage to make it certain that he is not just someone, who is the future of Indian politics but surely a stronger player in the present too. A reluctant entrant to politics, Rahul now has proved that he has got in him what it requires in the game to emerge as a astute leader, playing a pivotal role in the resurgence of the grand old party, especially in Uttar Pradesh. Undoubtedly, one of the biggest stories of this election is the stunning performance of the Congress in UP and all credit goes to Rahul and his decision to play for the future and not aim at temporary gains. His gamble to go it alone in the state turned out to be a masterstroke. The 39-year-old Rahul, who is widely credited for bringing young faces in the Congress at the grassroots level, has been learning the political ropes by spending more time in connecting with the Aam Admi at all levels whether it be spending nights at nondescript villages or interacting with the youth, Rahul seems to be now to have a finger on the pulse of the nation. Building the party brick-by-brick in UP with the solid glue of youth power – something he represents – Rahul has turned the tide in a state known for its casteist polity. It surely helps that 65% of the electorate in the country is now less than 38 years of age and they relate to his ideas for tomorrow. What was also praised was his keenness to democratise the functioning of the party. And it appears that he has been successfully able to transfer the hysteria that surrounds him in the Gandhi bastions of Amethi and Raibareli to other parts of the crucial state. "There is a work that my father had started, a dream he had dreamt. I come to you today saying allow me to turn that dream into reality," he had said while kicking off his election campaign at Amethi. His gritty resolve has ensured that the Congress nets atleast 20 of the 80 Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh, a gain of 10 seats - no mean achievement by any measure. With the Congress` commendable performance seen as a victory for Rahul, party leaders see a bigger role for him in the days to come. But it would be imprudent to assume that the Rahul charisma worked only in UP as he was without doubt the star campaigner of his party, relentlessly canvassing all across the country - over 87,000 km on the campaign trail. And, with the Congress winning in 60 constituencies out of the 106 in which Rahul campaigned, there’s no denying that Rahul has it in him to representing the fourth generation of the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty and that his place under the sun is all but secured. Since his election to Parliament in 2004, Rahul was widely expected to play a major role either in government or the party. Even so, in January 2006 he turned down appeals to play a more high-profile Congress party role. "My place right now is among our people, my place right now is to learn and understand so I can serve my people and party better," he had said sending a clear message that he did not desire power only because of his surname. But that was another day, he had yet to prove his metal and today “it’s different”.