Sanjay, Rajiv and? Rahul

There are many similarities and dissimilarities between these two generations, writes Pankaj Vohra.

For someone who has seen the initiation of Indira Gandhi's two sons into politics, it is difficult not to make comparisons after having heard Rahul Gandhi's maiden speech at the AICC plenary on Monday.

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There are many similarities and dissimilarities between the fourth and fifth generations of the Nehru-Gandhis.

First, the similarities.

All three chose to enter active politics through the organisation. Rahul Gandhi's indication that he was willing to accept any responsibility meant that he would, like his father and uncle, start with the party.

Sanjay Gandhi made his political debut in the mid-seventies as a member of the National Council of the Indian Youth Congress. After his death in a plane crash on June 23, 1980, Congress cadres wanted Rajiv Gandhi in politics. The elder son eventually started off in the organisation and later became a general secretary. Rahul Gandhi is set to follow his father's example.

In his brief address, Rahul, like his uncle, was short and precise. Like his father, he made it clear that he would trust grassroots workers, not power brokers masquerading as netas. Sanjay had a streak of ruthlessness in him but Rahul's speech showed he had inherited his father's compassion and his grandmother's and mother's firm resolve.

That picture of Rahul from Indira Gandhi's funeral, where he is being comforted by his father, is deeply etched in the minds of lakhs of Indians. When he spoke at the AICC plenary, it showed that that little boy had grown, not just in years but in stature as well.

Next, the differences.

The three came into politics in completely different circumstances. Sanjay Gandhi wanted to be in politics and his mother encouraged him. Rajiv Gandhi was reluctant but had to bow to the wishes of the party to help his mother and to fill the void left by his younger brother.

Rahul is here completely on his own. There was pressure from the party but he has maintained a low profile ever since he became MP. On Monday, he said he had decided to serve the people after his father's death but had kept his ambition on hold all these years.

Like Indira Gandhi, who underwent a political apprenticeship under top freedom fighters and her father Jawaharlal Nehru, Rahul is willing to learn politics from his seniors. Rahul will go through the same as his mother watches his every move. If Rajiv had a dream, Rahul gave a glimpse of his vision.