ISSUE
Friday, August 15, 2025
Volume 16 . Issue 72
Much in Indian politics has been about personality. The recent appointment of Rahul Gandhi as the Congress party’s no. 2 is reminiscent of a feudal society where leaders are not made; they’re born to a `throne’ and are called a ‘reluctant prince’.
In his emotive speech, Mr. Gandhi sought to forge a connection with the alienated and disillusioned young India with a promise – elect me and I will change the system. “We do not respect knowledge, we respect position," he rued. “Mediocrity dominates the country and the powerful people are disconnected from the issues.”
This stance is ironic, to say the least. After all, over a three day brain storming session, the Congress party could not find a single alternative candidate from within the party cadre or from the 1.4 billion talent pool that is India. It had to be the next-in-line from a family that has been at the helm of the party’s affairs for most of its history.
2014 does not look like it will be an easy year. The opposition will pit political heavy-weights like Narendra Modi for the post of Prime Minister in the General Elections. What remains to be seen is if the persona can gloss over the recent performance of the Congress.
Much in Indian politics has been about personality. The recent appointment of Rahul Gandhi as the Congress party’s no. 2 is reminiscent of a feudal society where leaders are not made; they’re born to a `throne’ and are called a ‘reluctant prince’. In his emotive speech, Mr. Gandhi sought to...
Much in Indian politics has been about personality. The recent appointment of Rahul Gandhi as the Congress party’s no. 2 is reminiscent of a feudal society where leaders are not made; they’re born to a `throne’ and are called a ‘reluctant prince’.
In his emotive speech, Mr. Gandhi sought to forge a connection with the alienated and disillusioned young India with a promise – elect me and I will change the system. “We do not respect knowledge, we respect position," he rued. “Mediocrity dominates the country and the powerful people are disconnected from the issues.”
This stance is ironic, to say the least. After all, over a three day brain storming session, the Congress party could not find a single alternative candidate from within the party cadre or from the 1.4 billion talent pool that is India. It had to be the next-in-line from a family that has been at the helm of the party’s affairs for most of its history.
2014 does not look like it will be an easy year. The opposition will pit political heavy-weights like Narendra Modi for the post of Prime Minister in the General Elections. What remains to be seen is if the persona can gloss over the recent performance of the Congress.
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