Hajo (Assam), Jan 23: As the 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra' gains momentum, Rahul Gandhi, scion of the illustrious Nehru-Gandhi family, has been exhibiting a brand of leadership that reflects an agile understanding of political challenges and a vision for addressing the concerns of the people, quite contrary to the public perception that has been cemented by selective targeting and a subservient media that India has infamously become synonymous with in recent years.
As he faces off against Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led BJP government, Mr.Gandhi's conduct reveals some crucial leadership qualities. Here are some of the key observations so far, particularly from the two press conferences to the national media:
1. Fearlessness:
One of the striking aspects of Mr. Gandhi's response to the disruptions during the yatra is his resilience and fearlessness. When he asserts, "I don't get intimidated. Abuse me, disturb me, or target me, I don't get intimidated," it echoes shades of Barack Obama's calm demeanour during times of crisis. The ability to remain composed in the face of adversity is a crucial leadership skill, and Mr. Gandhi's unwavering stance aligns with the poise demonstrated by influential leaders on the global stage.
2. Strategic Thinking and Opportunism:
Mr. Gandhi's acknowledgment that disruptions by the BJP inadvertently contributed to the yatra's publicity reflects strategic thinking and opportunism. This ability to turn challenges into opportunities is reminiscent of political manoeuvres observed in the leadership styles of figures like Vladimir Putin. Effective leaders capitalise on situations to their advantage, and Mr. Gandhi's pragmatic approach aligns with this essential quality.
3. Composure and Emotional Intelligence:
Downplaying the alleged violence during the yatra, Mr. Gandhi's statement, "I would not call it violence. We are tough people. We can take all this," speaks to his composure and emotional intelligence. Leaders with a high degree of emotional intelligence can navigate complex situations with grace, and Mr. Gandhi's measured response aligns with this critical leadership skill.
4. Unwavering Convictions:
Mr. Gandhi's declaration, "I don't get scared of these things. I don't get intimidated. Once I make up my mind and fight for my ideology, I do not get intimidated," underscores the importance of unwavering convictions. One can easily draw parallels with leaders who have stood firm in their beliefs, such as Angela Merkel, Mr. Gandhi has positioned himself as a leader who remains steadfast in the pursuit of his political ideology.
5. Vision for the Future:
Addressing larger issues in Assam, Mr. Gandhi emphasized the alleged corruption of the Assam Chief Minister and outlines concerns such as unemployment, corruption, and struggles faced by farmers and youth. This ability to articulate a vision for the future aligns with the leadership qualities demonstrated by leaders like Franklin D. Roosevelt and Nelson Mandela. A leader must not only identify problems but offer a clear vision for a better future. But Mr. Gandhi does not wish to give it all at once. He is perhaps teasing the media, drawing their attention and intriguing them to study his personality from close.
6. Drawing Upon Legacy:
Rahul Gandhi's political journey is inseparable from the rich legacy of the Nehru-Gandhi family. Drawing upon the leadership styles of Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, and Rajiv Gandhi, he taps into a lineage that has played the most vital role in shaping India's destiny. Understanding the weight of this legacy and leveraging it to connect with the electorate is a strategic move, reflecting a deep understanding of political dynamics. That he is doing so in the face of unprecedented vitriol makes it even more compelling.
7. International Comparisons:
In the global political arena, leaders like Barack Obama and Vladimir Putin have left indelible marks with their distinctive styles. Obama's charisma, eloquence, and emphasis on unity draw parallels with Mr. Gandhi's attempts to connect with the people and bridge divides. Meanwhile, Putin's strategic manoeuvring and strongman image may inform aspects of Mr. Gandhi's pragmatic approach to challenges as those being witnessed in Assam.
(Saket Suman is the author of The Psychology of a Patriot. Views expressed are strictly personal)
