Rahul Gandhi Confused Political Strategy

Rahul Gandhi’s Confused Political Strategy: Journalist Alok Mehta’s Take

A recent exchange between Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Rahul Gandhi has ignited a heated debate over caste politics in India. Sitharaman accused the Congress leader of hypocrisy for his stance on caste census, pointing out that Congress Prime Ministers historically opposed caste-based promotions and reservations. Journalist Alok Mehta offered his perspective on Rahul Gandhi’s approach, comparing it to his father Rajiv Gandhi’s distinct brand of politics.

The Controversy

The controversy began when Rahul Gandhi questioned the caste of bureaucrats present at the halwa ceremony. Sitharaman responded by highlighting the absence of Scheduled Caste (SC) members among the trustees of the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation and the Rajiv Gandhi Charitable Trust. She emphasized that Congress Prime Ministers, including Jawahar Lal Nehru and Rajiv Gandhi, were against caste-based reservations.

Alok Mehta’s Insights

Senior journalist Alok Mehta shared his views on Rahul Gandhi’s political strategy in an interview with CNN-News18. Mehta suggested that Rahul’s politics differ significantly from that of his father, Rajiv Gandhi. According to Mehta, Rahul appears confused and driven by a desire to gain power, unlike Rajiv who had a more straightforward approach.

“Rahul is either confused or wants to become a communist,” Mehta said. He referenced Vidya Charan Shukla’s death at the hands of Maoists to underline the potential dangers of Rahul’s approach. “I know this family and that is why I feel sorry for the family as well as the society (for the harm it may cause),” he added.

Sitharaman’s Accusations

Sitharaman accused the Congress of being inconsistent in their stance on caste-based reservations. She quoted former Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru’s letter from June 27, 1961, expressing his dislike for reservations in service due to concerns about inefficiency. She also referenced an interview with Rajiv Gandhi from March 1985, where he criticized the promotion of unqualified individuals in the name of reservation, stating that it would harm the country.

“In an interview with journalist Alok Mehta in March 1985, former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi said, ‘No promotion of idiots in the name of reservation’ and that promoting ‘idiots’ in the name of reservation would harm the entire country. And Congress says that the BJP is against SCs, STs, and OBCs,” Sitharaman remarked.

Comparing Rahul and Rajiv Gandhi

Mehta elaborated on the differences between Rahul and Rajiv Gandhi’s political styles. He described Rahul’s approach as a mix of caste politics and communism, which he believes could be damaging in the long run. “I feel sympathy for him. This may help him politically in the short run but will cause damage to India,” Mehta stated.

The Debate in Lok Sabha

During a debate on Budget 2024-25 in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi reiterated his commitment to the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA). He emphasized that the alliance would ensure the passage of a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP) and a caste census.

Conclusion

The ongoing debate highlights the complexities and contradictions within Indian politics, particularly regarding caste-based reservations and promotions. While Rahul Gandhi advocates for a caste census, historical statements from his predecessors within the Congress party reveal a different stance. Journalist Alok Mehta’s insights provide a nuanced perspective on Rahul’s political strategy, suggesting that his approach might yield short-term gains but could potentially harm the country in the long run.

This debate underscores the importance of understanding the historical context and the evolving nature of political strategies in India. As Rahul Gandhi continues to navigate these contentious issues, his approach will undoubtedly be scrutinized and debated both within and outside the political arena.

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