Rahul Gandhi 2.0

Rahul Gandhi appeared uncertain and reserved in 2007 during his election campaign tour of Uttar Pradesh. He radiates confidence now, right from his speeches to the way he sits at election rallies. Varghese K George reports.

Uncertain and reserved: that's how Congress leader Rahul Gandhi appeared to be in 2007 during his election campaign tour of Uttar Pradesh. In 2012 he has changed -- for the better.

Gandhi radiates confidence now: right from his speeches to the way he sits at election rallies. That's a remarkable change since 2007.

Watch how this transformation took place.

Here is a sample of our best stories on a range of issues in the UP elections.





Akhilesh Yadav and Rahul Gandhi, rivals and scions of their parties, are pitched against each other in the elections. Both are risk-takers who have shaken up their party old guard.

Kanpur lets irritation show
Mayawati compares badly with other CMs who managed to win a consecutive term. Allegations of corruption and the lavish funds spent on Dalit memorials have created anger against her.

The decline of captive voters
The fundamental arithmetic of exclusive caste politics practiced by the SP and the BSP is under challenge.

Mandalisation of the Congress
The determination to reduce the upper-caste dominance in the party is evident.