Enter the era of Rahul Gandhigiri

The great act of launching the new leader, whose time is about to come, very sure to come, has begun!

The purpose of centenary celebrations of Mahatma Gandhiji’s Satyagraha, organised by Sonia Gandhi on 29-30 January 2007, was to launch her son Rahul Gandhi is evident.

When “Gandhigiri” is doing rounds, in its new avatar, thanks to the movie called “Munnabhai”, it is obvious for the Congress to reap the benefits of the new wave. For Congress means Sonia, it is obvious for her to think that the new wave should favour her and her family.

Delegates from 83 countries, carefully handpicked by Sonia and co., did come to the meeting, which was held at the five-star settings of India International Centre. Among them were non-aligned politicians, heads of states.

Indian opposition parties were left out, for obvious reasons, of course. You can invite foreign politicians. Because they do not challenge you in elections. How can you invite your own political adversaries?

Strangely, the veteran Satyagrahis of India, now in their 80’s and 90’s, who were the real representatives of Gandhiji, were also left out! How can those poor citizens be invited for a five-star congregation, attended by the heads of states and other VIPs to witness the rise of a new political Pole-star?

The epicenter of the show, and the new pole-star, was none other than Rahul Gandhi, the “crown prince” of India (the title conferred on him by the weekly magazine, Newsweek). Most of the African delegates were eager to get themselves photographed with him. They rushed towards him as if they were witnessing the second coming of Christ. He came to the meet. He met the delegates. And he “conquered” them! After the brief gala, he disappeared quietly.

It was just a photo-session for him. But for chosen delegates, it was a photo opportunity. He did not utter even a single word about Satyagraha. He just said it was a great learning experience for him. He was there for a few minutes. What were the lessons that he learnt, and from whom, that too in such a short time? It is not clear. And we are not expected to be clear about it.

But, it seems that Sonia's son Rahul has his own brand of “Gandhigiri”, as the reports from Amethi, his paliamentary constituency, do suggest. How Sonia and Rahul represent Gadhiji is also well known.

(c) G. Anil Kumar 2007

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