Posted on: 06-08-11 21:55:27
New Delhi: The illness of Sonia Gandhi, India's most powerful political leader, may have set off a risky succession that could propel her inexperienced son Rahul to government just as the Congress party battles corruption scandals and high inflation.
The appointment of the 41-year-old Rahul to a quartet that will administer political affairs for Congress as she is being treated for an illness abroad came as a surprise to many, because other more senior and experienced leaders were ignored.
Sonia Gandhi's illness was not disclosed in Thursday's surprise announcement, but the 64-year-old party chief may be away for weeks. Her absence may be longer if two newspaper reports, which said she had cancer, are correct.
Rahul will now take these reins just as a raucous parliament debates key reforms such as a land acquisition bill, and battles accusations it turned a blind eye to a huge telecoms licensing scandal that has already seen a minister quit.
Rahul has long been seen as heir apparent to the secular and left-leaning Congress party as family scion to a dynasty that has ruled India for much of independence. Many expect him to succeed Singh, 78, before the 2014 general election.
But until now he has been reluctant to be involved in government, preferring to organise the youth wing of his party and travelling across India to campaign for the land rights of poor tribal people and villagers.
Many saw these travels, where he would often stay the night in a remote hamlet or travel by motorcycle to villages, as a campaign to raise his profile ahead of the 2014 election.
That rise of his profile may quicken after his appointment, although Congress officials were reluctant to say it publicly.
"Is this something that has to be said out aloud?" said one senior official when asked if Rahul would become more important.
http://ibnlive.in.com/news/rahul-gandhi-steps-closer-to-power/173553-37-64.html
I am a big fan of Rahul Ji , Are you also?
Rahul G will be better than so many 75+ buddas like the MMS, Pranab Mukherji, Krishna, etc. Its time to bring in fresh ideas from young leaders, as the times have changed. We are not in 1960's or 70s anymore.
100% Agreed
Nothing wrong being a senior but it is the vision that would make things different. Despite being a senior leader Advani could've become a good leader but he was back stabbed by his own men including Vajpayee. Vajpayee would've never become the Prime Minister without LK Advani's support.
Modi appears to be a great administrator when it comes to his province but on leading the nation, he would fail due to his lack of cunningness, emotional behavior, less forward thinking (on personal sake). Has already become victim of the media due to his undiplomatic attitude. He doesn't seem to have an agenda beyond the promise, he will have a big share of back stabbers in his own team. You think Sushma, Arun and all these guys are going to keep quiet. Gandhi family has already taken care maligning his name in the international arena. Modi is going to follow Advani to fail in national politics. Time to check ABVP & PVR ideology.
RG is young, popular among youth, popular among minorities, together both make a good percentage of supporters, makes much needed stunts, must be having good back up by USA, often humble in front of public / press, he is also un-dipolamatic often such as exhibiting his personal vendetta against some (incl Karunanidhi), unruly comments about some celebs.
Young, good looking, Nehru family, smile, outfit, rich, Importantly the youth indulged in Facebook culture, and more significantly the minority vote would be a huge advantage. Sonia in long term (if successful), would shape him where she needs him to be.
Whether you like it or not, the Nehru dynasty is to continue. Well, IF * IF * IF things are good.. what the heck.. who cares...
Quote:
Originally posted by KumarM
Rahul G will be better than so many 75+ buddas like the MMS, Pranab Mukherji, Krishna, etc. Its time to bring in fresh ideas from young leaders, as the times have changed. We are not in 1960's or 70s anymore.
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The cowards never started,
The weak died on the way,
Only the strong arrived.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_yK1i9cLAMM
Great thoughts put together JRFclap:
INDIA needs leader who can accelerate the economy further with it secular values and become super power in the next decade.
+1
