Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi’s newfound aggression in and outside Parliament in the recent past is not only directed at the BJP-led government but also to address the unrest in his own party that is struggling to recover from the massive losses it faced in the Lok Sabha and state elections.
There have been no signs of recovery in the Congress that is still in disarray with its cadre highly demoralised.
His impromptu protests in front of the Mahatma Gandhi statue in the Parliament house complex earlier this week against the government’s “frequent U-turns” on crucial issues sought to lift the sagging confidence of his party leaders and workers.
Before this, Rahul paid a surprise visit to the Rangpuri Pahadi slums in Delhi where the demolition of around 900 housing units had rendered thousands homeless. With assembly elections round the corner in Delhi, Rahul’s move infused a new lease of life in the party’s city unit.
“What Rahulji does is straight from the heart. He feels for the poor and can go to any extent to fight for their rights,” Congress spokesperson Shobha Oza said.
But the Amethi MP continues to face criticism for his refusal to accept the post of party leader in the LS and for not speaking on critical issues in the House.
{{/usCountry}}But the Amethi MP continues to face criticism for his refusal to accept the post of party leader in the LS and for not speaking on critical issues in the House.
{{/usCountry}}Political experts say Rahul should get rid of his “band of MBA graduates” and needs to be more visible which is elementary to politics.
“He should surround himself with real political animals…There is cutthroat competition in politicians and he needs to be surrounded by those who fought elections and held important party posts,” said political analyst CP Bhambri.