A curious phenomenon is unfolding in the Indian political scene these days. As a stand-alone event it is nothing new. A few politicians have indulged in such an activity once or twice in their political lifespan. But by virtue of it being a frequent occurrence it is generating enough curiosity and heat.
Here I am talking about Rahul Gandhi’s much-publicized visits and stays at the abodes of the humble poor in different parts of the country in the last few weeks.
The Indian political scene is witnessing this interesting series of events wherein no less than the ruling Congress party’s General Secretary (and heir apparent) Rahul Gandhi has been visiting rural households in the far-flung reaches of the country for no apparent reason other than to connect with the rural poor. What makes this series of events more interesting is that at the moment there is no general election season even on the distant horizon. The elections, in fact, have been over just about five months back and have brought his party back in power with a solid presence.
Altruism seems to be THE motive behind this series of his visits. Rahul Gandhi has foregone the prime ministerial and ministerial race in favor of strengthening his party at grassroots level and furthering his own social grounding. He has opted to connect with the masses. This ‘sacrifice’ of his will stand him in good stead in times to come. It is a brilliant move on his part. Residents of each area he visits, are unlikely to forget his charisma in a hurry. A visit by a politico of his stature is likely to leave a lifetime impact on the area.
While you and me might be content at looking at this series of events as his display of public spirit and leaving it at that, for a lot of others (read other seasoned politicos) they have become a matter of concern. So much so that people are either dismissing them as a gimmick or crying themselves hoarse that this is all within a well-formed strategy or a plan.
I say that if this series of connecting with the masses is not within a well-formed Congress / Rahul strategy then it should be. Rahul has opted to keep himself away from the ministerial responsibilities for the next five years. This is a golden time for him to see much of India first hand and form his own opinions rather than rely on hearsay. The Gandhi scion is showing an amazing foresight in putting in solid groundwork before assuming the mantle of prime minister. He will be prepared with a mature understanding of reality unlike his father who had the responsibility thrust upon him without much experience to fall back on.
As for those crying foul or calling it a gameplan – nothing or no one has ever stopped them from connecting with the masses in the time interim two elections. How many times have we seen our politicians making an effort of reaching out to the real people let alone the poor, unless it is the election season? Even those who are self-appointed messiahs of the down trodden remain inaccessible to he very same populace.
And if Rahul is doing it with an eye to the next general election, all kudos for such forward thinking should go to the young politico. Indian political scene has a habit of remaining drab between elections. It is the grouse of common people that ‘netas’ are visible only once in five years. It is in fact for the first time we are seeing that despite having a recent successful election behind him, a politician is making such efforts and has actually chosen to abdicate his powers for the time being.
The disgruntled ones may argue that Rahul has a home advantage here by virtue of his birth. The throne shall be awaiting the prince whenever he chooses to ascend it. But then by the same argument I contend that with such a ‘birthright’ Rahul is one politician who does not NEED to undertake this trip of self-discovery. That he is making a real effort makes it a more commendable act.
There should be another natural corollary to all that is unfolding. Culture percolates from top down in all organizations. With none other than Rahul Gandhi taking it upon himself to connect with the grassroots, other major and minor Congress ‘netas’ will be compelled to follow the same route.
If some of Rahul’s true altruism rubs on to them as well, it will be an all round advantage for all.
