Where does Rahul score over others?
Nowhere perhaps are youth icons as important as in the Indian political scenario, especially since such a large percentage of the population are young voters. And, after decades, the youth of the country have found an icon in Rahul Gandhi. However, the AICC general secretary, tipped to be the next prime ministerial candidate of the party, has come under a lot of criticism amid escalating pressure from the Mayawati-led BSP government in Uttar Pradesh. But despite all this, Rahul manages to retain an edge over the other young leaders coming from other political families like the Scindias and the Yadavs. What are the factors behind his popularity?
Vikas Singh, 29, general secretary of the All India Rahul Gandhi Fans Association says, “The thing that differentiates Rahul Gandhi from other politicians is that he is all work minus the drama. Whenever and wherever he is needed, he is there. He doesn’t worry about arrests or hostility.” Echoing Singh is Professor M. Sultan, a professor of political science and a vocal supporter of Rahul Gandhi in the restive Jammu and Kashmir. He attributes Rahul’s hold on the population to his “clean image.” “He is using his power and influence to organise the Indian youth against corruption. He is also sensitive to the aspirations of the people at the grass-root level.”
The “Gandhi” tag has gone a long way towards his popularity. Miss India Vasuki Sunkavalli, a lawyer and an aspiring politician, says, “Other people talk about it, but Rahul Gandhi is the only one who calls out to the youth to get them more involved. He is also someone India can relate to due to the easy trust that people put in the name Gandhi.”
Techie Rachit Jain, 21, says, “It’s the image of the Congress. If I had to pick a politician, I immediately think of Manmohan Singh or Rahul Gandhi as they demand respect. In Rahul’s case, this, perhaps, has a lot to do with education and exposure he has.”
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