In contemporary politics, where social media often serves as a breeding ground for ridicule and satire, the consistent targeting of Rahul Gandhi, the former Congress President, has become a daily affair. His speeches dissected, his wisdom questioned, and his personality caricatured ~ such is the nature of the internet's lens on this political figure. However, beyond the digital scrutiny, Rahul Gandhi is on a mission, a journey called Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, an exhausting affair that may reshape the narrative of the Grand Old Party.
As this writer traversed the journey from Imphal in Manipur to Dhanbad in Jharkhand, covering the Yatra's initial 21 days, the unfolding narrative was strikingly different from the online caricature. This Yatra is not merely a political ploy; it's an ideological journey, seeking to reconnect with the grassroots and revitalise the Congress support base. The question, however, arises about the timing and purpose, especially in the proximity of the upcoming General Elections.
Vocal Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has emphasised that the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra is not just a political sojourn but an ideological pilgrimage. The subtlety lies in how Rahul Gandhi is using this journey to communicate his political messages, transcending mere symbolism and resonating with the core ideology of his party and family. The impact is tangible, with public interest surging from the Northeast to the Hindi heartland, challenging the established narrative of indifference towards the Congress.
Critics, often aligned with the ruling dispensation, question the strategic timing of the Yatra, portraying it as an electoral manoeuvre. While projections hint at the Congress and the INDIA alliance facing an uphill battle against the formidable BJP-led NDA, Rahul Gandhi remains assertive in his ideological stance. The Yatra is not just about the 2024 elections; it's a strategic move with the potential to rekindle the fire in the hearts and minds of Congress supporters and cadres for the next 50 years.
Amidst the political intricacies, Rahul Gandhi's leadership skills are coming to the forefront. Refusing to succumb to pressure from allies and opponents alike, he is charting an independent course, sending a larger message to the people. This is not a leader merely focused on the immediate electoral gains but one with a vision for the long term, aware of the transformative impact this Yatra might have on the Congress party's trajectory.
The essence of leadership is often revealed in adversity, and Rahul Gandhi is displaying qualities that transcend the political spectrum. Leading from the forefront, he is not merely a face but an embodiment of a renewed Congress narrative. His assertiveness in sticking to his ideology in the face of criticism showcases resilience, a trait essential for any leader navigating the complexities of Indian politics.
At the core of his leadership is an understanding that politics is not just about elections; it's about forging a connection with the people. Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, in this context, becomes a tool to reach out to the cadres, to instil energy in a party that has weathered storms in recent times. The Yatra is not just a physical journey; it's a metaphorical one, symbolising the revival of Congress as a formidable political force.
The impact of this journey on the psyche of Congress supporters cannot be underestimated. While internet trolls may continue their barrage, the Yatra is generating a groundswell of support, evoking a sense of nostalgia among Congress loyalists. Rahul Gandhi, by leading this charge, is not just adhering to the principles of his party but also rekindling a nostalgia associated with the Nehru-Gandhi family, a lineage that has left a mark on the country's political landscape.
What sets Rahul Gandhi apart in this leadership role is his fearlessness. In a political landscape often marred by compromise and conformity, he refuses to toe the line dictated by allies or opponents. This courage resonates with the people, sending a clear message that he is not driven by electoral calculations alone but by a commitment to his party's values.
As the Yatra progresses, Rahul Gandhi's speeches and body language reveal facets that demand attention. This is not just a Yatra; it's an opus of leadership, a revolution challenging the established norms. In navigating through regions, addressing diverse crowds, and weathering the political storms, Rahul Gandhi is proving that leadership is not about conforming to expectations but about defining one's path.
The Congress Party in general and Mr. Gandhi in particular should note the difference between the ideology of the Congress and its rivals. It is incumbent upon them to ensure that principles of satya, dharma and ahimsa are respected, that free speech and press is allowed to prosper and not curtailed in the wake of criticism; that dignity is given to the last man or woman in the line and not snatched.
No election results can ever rout the political force that earned India its freedom as long as the Congress party remains true to its ideology and continues to devote itself to the cause of India and her people, regardless of their religion, caste, creed, gender or age.
(Saket Suman is the author of The Psychology of a Patriot. Views expressed are strictly personal)
