Rahul Gandhi 2.0 creating buzz, drawing crowds. Will the magic last?

19/11/2017

Rahul Gandhi 2.0 creating buzz, drawing crowds. Will the magic last?
India Today - Sweta Dutta

Far from the metamorphosis of his grandmother and former Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi, who went from being tagged 'goongi gudiya' to the 'only man in the cabinet', Congress president-in-waiting Rahul Gandhi's so-called 'transformation' currently remains a subject of debate on new India's fledgling game-changer: social media.

Punchy tweets, essaying cogent speeches, interactive sessions at international platforms to drive home the point that 'Pappu' can finally speak, has given Congressmen much hope for its revival at a time when the Opposition space faces a looming void.

So how did 'Pappu' get 'Pidi' to compel twitterati and by extension, the increasing young voters to sit up and take note, if not be entirely convinced? Is it a new team mentoring or tutoring Rahul? The answer is a vehement 'no' from all Congress leaders.

"How much can you tutor someone? If he did not have it in him, he would never be able to learn" is the senior leadership's refrain. They insist Rahul is 'erudite', 'reads a lot', 'curious', and has a 'sharp sense of humour' - traits he always exhibited but was never acknowledged.

It is the same Rahul Gandhi, who had coined 'suit boot ki sarkar' and 'fair and lovely scheme'. The person is same, the perception has changed. None of us see any change in him. He was always open, transparent, down to earth," argued Ajay Maken, Delhi Congress chief and a close aide of Rahul.

"The perception artificially created by thousands sitting behind computers did not let him be viewed the way he was. That artificial smokescreen created by the BJP is gradually fading and simply because of (Narendra) Modi's failure to deliver," Maken added.

'HAS COME A LONG WAY'

Several senior bureaucrats recall UPA II's last few years in power that saw Rahul review projects and schemes on power, highways, social sector schemes and his 'short attention span' during power point presentations.

Some party leaders remember him as the flippant, reluctant leader losing the thread of the conversation during serious meetings over organisational strengthening exercises.

"He seems to have come a long way. He is more involved and interested in what he is doing today. Let's face it, he knows that he has to buckle up and it is high time he does so," said a senior party leader requesting anonymity.

"As for the image makeover, the truth is that the timing is right for us. More than Rahul Gandhi's fortunes going up, it is about Modi's image taking a beating. None of us were as hopeful as we are today. Eight months back, none of us thought we would be in the reckoning for 2019 (parliamentary polls). We had almost given Modi a ten-year tenure. Things have clearly changed today."

TWITTER, US TRIP TURNING POINTS?

Even as the 'makeover' is denied, sources close to Rahul do attribute his new social media posturing and his recent visit to the United States as the turning point to being 'taken seriously.'

A new social media team helmed by actress-turned-politician Divya Spandana, popularly known as Ramya, quietly set up shop away from the prying eyes at the All India Congress Committee headquarters on 24, Akbar Road, at a location where casual visitors are unwelcome.

Long before the International Journal of Communication in the United States laboured over Modi's 9000-odd tweets to find his success mantra, Rahul's team discovered the key- use of political irony and sarcasm.

While the party insists most of Rahul's tweets are his own, highly placed sources say some of them are drafted by Spandana and her team, who at times prevail over Rahul even if he is himself unconvinced.

Some of the couplets, satirical cartoons and digs at Modi are products of research by the team.

But Spandana deliberately dodges media attention, in an effort to not take away Rahul's moment of glory and Rahul in turn silently takes the brickbats when some of his tweets, like the one on Pidi backfired.



Ppl been asking who tweets for this guy..I'm coming clean..it's me..Pidi..I'm way ?? than him. Look what I can do with a tweet..oops..treat! pic.twitter.com/fkQwye94a5
- Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) October 29, 2017


"The ideas and concept emanate from the top. A team can only supplement the efforts. Whether it is Berkeley or Baroda, the issues he raised are important and that is why they get traction," maintained Rajasthan Congress chief Sachin Pilot, who is also known to be Rahul's close friend.

Rahul Gandhi believes in collective leadership and free flowing discussions on all issues. So I am sure he will like to see the credit of the successes go to the party, to the team and his colleagues too," Pilot added.

'LUXURY OF OPPOSITION'

However, senior party leaders point out 'it is the luxury of the Opposition to use political satire'.

"Today we can do what Modi did back then. He could poke fun at us. He could use all the humour and sarcasm from the Opposition's podium. It is far more difficult for the ruling party to make its point or highlight its achievements using sarcasm. Also the BJP now realises that governance is not a cakewalk," said a senior party functionary.

Rahul's recent trip to the United States, where he found his voice at a free-wheeling conversation with scholars at the University of California, Berkeley, was facilitated by the Gandhi family's long-time friend Sam Pitroda.

Party colleagues feel that his interactions with scholars and the entire board of Washington Post, New York Times and Reuters during the trip gave him a 'neutral audience for the first time.'

Despite Pitroda's hand-holding and a decent run during his speech, Rahul slipped on a question on dynastic politics as he said, "Don't get after me... because that is how India is run" drawing much flak from his political opponents back home.

In the run-up to the 2019 parliamentary polls while there is Left veteran Sitaram Yechury, who still looks at Congress president Sonia Gandhi to keep the Opposition together, NCP chief Sharad Pawar bats for a 'transformed Rahul.'

For the Congress that has been battling questions of survival, being in the reckoning is all that matters. "Who is seen as the Opposition leader today? Rahul Gandhi has earned this position by his hardwork and adapting himself to the challenges," said AICC general secretary CP Joshi while Mumbai Congress chief Sanjay Nirupam added, "Be it the Shiv Sena or Sharad Pawar, it is heartening to see them accept Rahul."

My views :

1. Congress must talk about Nation and her Needs!

2. Offer Suggestions to progress and development process!!

3. Provide guidance for good governance!!!

My Opinion :

1. Instead of above, the foolish and arrogant party and  eccentric leaders abuse PM, 

2. Mentally retarded JOKER rahul ghandi misguide the public,

3. Are  these activities satisfy people?

4. In reality these buggers, do not understand What is all about POLITICAL SCIENCE!!!

5. KICK THESE UNWORTHY, FOOLS, LUNATICS, CAGE THEM IN ANY MENTAL ASYLUM NEAR 10, JAN PATH.....

*****