New Delhi – Sanjeev Chandan, the founder-editor of Streekal, author, and political analyst, has critically analyzed the political journey of Congress leader and Member of Parliament Rahul Gandhi in his recent book- 'Rahul Gandhi- Vyakul Mann ka Nayak', terming him "The Hero of a Restless Mind." In the book, Chandan delves deeply into the successes and failures of the Congress Party under Rahul Gandhi's leadership.

Chandan argues that Rahul Gandhi is the heir to his father, Rajiv Gandhi's simplicity and humility, while from his mother, Sonia Gandhi, he inherited the art of social and political coordination. However, Rahul lacks the ideological firmness and courage of Indira Gandhi, which are essential to becoming an effective leader. The book brings to light those moments in Rahul Gandhi’s political career when his decisions have weakened the party's position.

Main Analysis and Key Insights from the Book

Chandan particularly highlights the events following Rahul Gandhi’s election as the Member of Parliament from Amethi in 2004. He critiques Rahul’s steps that raised doubts about his political capabilities. According to Chandan, Rahul distancing himself from the opportunity to become Prime Minister and letting leadership chances slip away exposes the weaknesses in his leadership. His decisions often reflect instability in his ideas and a lack of confidence, which has harmed the credibility of the party.

The book also references the critical moment in 2013 when Rahul Gandhi impulsively decided to overturn a significant legislative act. Chandan argues that this decision not only weakened Congress’s public image but also raised questions about Rahul's leadership. Rahul's tendency toward uncertain and impulsive decisions has created challenges for the party and cast doubt on his leadership abilities.

Chandan further questions why the intellectual class has considered Rahul Gandhi a hero despite his inconsistent leadership style. He particularly criticizes the Brahminical society for presenting Rahul as a symbolic leader while he has failed to provide actual leadership. According to Chandan, this blind admiration and Rahul’s attempt at "hegemonic" leadership have been detrimental to the Congress Party’s real strength.

Letters to Rahul Gandhi: Congress's Tilt Towards Soft Hindutva?

The book also mentions two letters that Chandan wrote to Rahul Gandhi. In the first letter, Chandan advises Rahul to rebuild the Congress Party based on the principles of social justice and Ambedkarite equality. Chandan emphasizes that if Congress continues to present itself based on outdated ideologies, it will struggle to re-establish itself. In contrast, if Rahul leads Congress towards inclusive and progressive values, the party can regain the credibility it has lost among the public.

Chandan raises the issue of why the current Congress strategy has ignored the symbols and leaders of social justice, while the BJP has successfully used them for its own benefit. He points out that Prime Minister Modi remembered Karpuri Thakur at a time when he, holding a constitutional position, performed rituals at the Ram Mandir, undermining the fundamental values of the Constitution. On the other hand, Congress has neglected the socialist and social justice icons like Karpuri Thakur.

Chandan specifically mentions June 25, the anniversary of the Emergency and the birth anniversary of VP Singh, suggesting that Congress could have used the occasion to present a new initiative in the direction of social justice. VP Singh, who had opposed Rajiv Gandhi, later stood with Sonia Gandhi against communal forces. Chandan believes that by recalling such icons, Congress could have solidified its strong stance against communalism, but unfortunately, Congress failed to see this as an opportunity.

In the second letter, Chandan stresses the need for structural changes within Congress. He suggests that Rahul should strengthen democratic processes in the party and provide opportunities for new faces in leadership. Chandan believes that if Congress moves forward with renewed energy, it could emerge as a strong alternative in Indian politics.

The Book’s Final Reflections on Rahul Gandhi and Congress's Future

In the conclusion of his book, Sanjeev Chandan makes an incisive comment about how Rahul Gandhi did not receive the kind of support in the 2024 elections that was expected of him.

Chandan writes, "In 2024, the opposition narrative became increasingly focused on Modi vs Rahul, which was aggressive, even when not entirely direct. I noticed that there was a concerted effort to discredit anyone in the opposition who took a position different from Rahul or Congress, including Akhilesh Yadav, who managed to win 37 seats in Uttar Pradesh through the PDA alliance, and even contributed 6 seats to Congress."

He continues: "In February 2024, after Sonia Gandhi announced Nitish Kumar's name as the convenor of the INDIA alliance, Rahul's intervention, followed by Nitish Kumar’s displeasure and his eventual decision to join the NDA, had the most significant negative impact. This weakened the INDIA alliance in the contest."

Chandan raises questions about Rahul Gandhi’s leadership style, which seems to attempt to establish him as the supreme leader without a clear portfolio. Chandan believes Rahul has the potential to revive the Congress Party, but for this to happen, he needs to bring firmness and thoughtfulness to his leadership.

Chandan says, "Rahul Gandhi’s politics of uncertainty and opportunism has prevented him from becoming a permanent leader. For Congress to move beyond its 99-seat limit, it needs real leadership and clear policies."

Chandan's book is not just a critical study of Rahul Gandhi's personal political journey but also raises serious questions about Congress's future. The book has sparked widespread discussions among readers about Rahul Gandhi’s role, the potential of Congress, and the changing landscape of Indian politics.