The Great Debate (India)
Rahul Gandhi next Congress chief?
Rahul Gandhi is set to become the next Congress party chief within a few weeks, The Economic Times reported on Saturday. The report said several party leaders, including a cabinet minister, had confirmed the handover is likely in “four to eight weeks”.
After Rahul takes over, Sonia Gandhi will restrict her role to giving broad directions to the party and government, the report added.
The Nehru-Gandhi family political dynasty has no other equivalent in the world, combining the birthright of royalty with the tragic glamour of the Kennedy clan. A member of the family has been in charge of India for more than two-thirds of the period since independence from Britain in 1947.
But Rahul Gandhi’s apparent ascendancy, and uncertain leadership qualities, has raised questions about whether a family political dynasty is compatible with a modern democracy. In September, Reuters interviewed Congress party officials and family friends, some of whom have talked to the media for the first time. They revealed deep concerns about the future of the Gandhi dynasty.
Rahul’s taking over as Congress president, if and when it happens, will come at a time when the government is battling high inflation, corruption scandals and slowing growth. Is this the right move for the ruling Congress?
Should Rahul Gandhi join the cabinet?
Prime Minister-elect Manmohan Singh has said he will try and persuade Rahul Gandhi, heir apparent to the Congress party, to take on a cabinet position in the new government.
Gandhi, whose father, grandmother and great grandfather were all prime ministers, had become the most visible campaigner of Congress in the month-long election to win over Indian youth as well as millions of poor villagers.
Critics say the political freshman is too young to deal with complex problems like Pakistan, and that as a member of an elite family he was disconnected from much of India.
But local reports suggest the 38-year-old bachelor may be offered the plum position of Information and Broadcasting Minister.
Should Rahul Gandhi join the cabinet? If yes, which portfolio would suit him best.
Rahul Gandhi, no matter how inexperienced he appears, no matter how “Gandhi” has positioned him in a very unique position in his political career, has the drive and will to put a cleaner image of politics before today’s youth.
He has the charm to pull mass, specially youth, and relate to common issues for people. The is part of the right institution that will serve good for this political career over the long run.
He gives confidence by denying support for corrupt leader, raises his concerns about it, regardless of party views. He should stay put to the learning curve and will make a leader country will proud to have.
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The Wall
