RaGa hibernates, Congress waits

It has been more than 40 days since Indian National Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi went on leave of absence and Congress is still tugging to their favourite line – he will be back soon.

Now, for millions of supporters across the country, this answer is not adequate. Where on earth is the man who has to hold the reins of Congress? It would be futile to even discuss why Rahul should be given the power to continue with the dynastic privilege his family is enjoying over the Indian National Congress. Because, some things are beyond normal human reasoning, logic and can best be deemed a puzzle. How else do you explain the cross Rahul Gandhi has to bear despite hearing all sorts of allegations and personality shortcomings against him?

Looks he doesn’t have much say in many aspects relating to the party. The rift is somewhat out in the open as media is writing about different priorities that both Sonia Gandhi and Rahul seem to perceive with regard to the future of the party. One of the reports said: What’s cancer according to Rahul; is just a common cold for Sonia.

The sitting MP Rahul Gandhi has been absent through some of the crucial discussions in Parliament. This is the time when BJP also chose mock at Congress for having derailed some of the most important discussions, demanding the presence of Prime Minister Modi.

Though there have been rumours that Rahul is on a sabbatical and will return all fresh and ready to take on the opposition, there are adequate reasons not to believe this as well. Can a man, who despite being in the middle of some of the major electoral changes in the country, learn in silence than in chaos? Why could he not pick up his lessons when they were happening right around him? After all, he has grown up amidst all this unlike other politicians who have to struggle for even a tiny space in the party? He was given the privileged position by default, and didn’t have to work even a single day for it. There is a coterie of politicians to defend him time and again, when he makes a mistake and ensure his image lies protected.

But, those ‘protected’ shoulders also mean that they carry the burden of entire Congress on them. Thin and frail as they may be, he is the lone herder for this pack called INC, which has the merit of being a party with long history. Now, that ain’t any easy job for someone who has had no flair for it. Or, so it seemed so far.

BJP is having a field day with a dream called AAP having gone awry even without any meddling from their side. AAP has gotten suicidal and Cong has turned into a headless chicken. This is the celebration time for BJP in true sense. The party just turned into largest party with member base in the world, according to its own claims. Don’t they have reasons to celebrate?

Now whether Rahul Gandhi returns as a man with new found wisdom or knowledge to keep up with the demands of his post, there is one thing for sure: His disappearance act has given him more press than the times he was around. This is surely something Cong will cherish.

When he actually returns, hopefully by mid April, Congress is hoping RaGa will be a man reformed. Many others are betting all their money on the hope of this horse. After all, we are not called a country of snake-charmers for nothing. We do believe in our share of miracles. Don’t we?
image: indiatimes