The entry of Rahul Gandhi into electoral politics probably was the sharpest googley in the 2004 Lok Sabha election.
All along, the expectation was that the Congress would field Priyanka Vadra, Rahul's sister, in the election. But Sonia sprang a surprise by nominating Rahul from Amethi.
The huge popularity of the siblings with the masses did the trick for Congress. While media broadcasted miles of footage on Rahul, the crowd went berserk over his cherubic looks and uncanny resemblence to his late father.
Rahul's entry also rejuvenated the jaded Congress party. The workers, who have been looking for a new public face for the party, suddenly had a young and charming leader to follow.
Congress did manage to form a coalition Govt in the Centre. However, Rahul now has a much tougher job at hand – Congress’s revival in politically significant Uttar Pradesh. And if he manages to achieve this feat, we will see him as PM in our lifetime.
- Saurabh Azad
E-Paper
