Rahul Gandhi, the scion of one of India’s most influential political dynasties, has been on a whirlwind political campaign across the country, aiming to electrify the support of voters and bring the Congress party back to power after years of electoral setbacks. With his energetic rallies and fiery speeches, Gandhi has been drawing large crowds, particularly among the country’s youth, who see him as a symbol of change and a voice for their concerns. As he walks across the country, Gandhi’s every move is being scrutinised by the media, with many asking whether he has what it takes to turn around the fortunes of India’s oldest political party?
Bharat Jodo Yatra: Uplifting the Congress?
Rahul Gandhi’s Yatra, which began in January 2023, was a 2200-mile march across the country. The march was aimed at revitalising India’s ailing opposition and taking on the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the 2024 general election. The march, which took over three months to complete, was seen as a courageous move by the Congress party, which has been struggling to find its feet after a string of electoral losses.
Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra, as it was called, was not just a symbolic gesture, but an achievement in its own right. It was a massive undertaking that required meticulous planning and execution, as well as a great deal of stamina and perseverance on Rahul Gandhi’s part. The march took him through some of the most remote and difficult terrains in the country, from the snow-capped mountains of the Himalayas to the scorching deserts of Rajasthan and the lush green forests of Kerala. Along the way, Gandhi addressed thousands of people at rallies and public meetings, highlighting the issues that he felt were most important to the country’s future. He spoke out against rising unemployment, the government’s handling of the Covid pandemic, and the growing threat of communalism and sectarianism. He also emphasised the need for unity and solidarity among all sections of society, calling for an end to the politics of division and polarisation.
Gandhi’s efforts seem to have paid off, at least in terms of boosting the morale of the Congress party and its supporters. His rallies and speeches have generated a great deal of buzz and enthusiasm, particularly among young people, who are seen as a key demographic in the upcoming election. The party has also gained ground in some of the states where Gandhi held rallies, such as Uttar Pradesh, where the Congress won a crucial by-election in February.
| Topic | Summary |
| Rahul Gandhi | Scion of India’s oldest political dynasty |
| Yatra | 2200-mile march across India to revitalise Congress party |
| Key Issues | Unemployment, Covid handling, rise of communalism, and sectarianism |
| Reception | Many applauding efforts while some others criticising |
| Controversy | Seen by some as too little too late and more of a publicity stunt |
| Media Coverage | Gets widespread media coverage |
Overall, Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra has been seen as a significant achievement, both for him personally and for the Congress party as a whole. It has helped to reinvigorate the party’s base and rekindle its fighting spirit, which had been flagging in recent years. Whether this momentum can be sustained and translated into electoral success in 2024 remains to be seen, but there is no doubt that Rahul Gandhi’s efforts have put the Congress party back in the game.
Mixed reactions
Rahul Gandhi’s rallies have been met with mixed reactions, with some applauding his efforts to revitalise the Congress party and take on the ruling BJP, while others have raised concerns about his approach. Some within the party also have criticised the focus on Gandhi’s personality, arguing that it detracts from the party’s policies and message. Others have raised concerns about the lack of a coherent strategy or message, with some feeling that the rallies are more about generating media attention than about connecting with voters. Some have even accused Rahul Gandhi of using the Yatra as a platform to launch his own bid for becoming prime minister, rather than focusing on building a strong opposition front.
A controversial move?
Despite the attention and praise that Rahul Gandhi’s 3000-km walk has garnered, the move has not been without controversy. While some have hailed it as a bold and daring strategy to challenge the current Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the upcoming elections, others have criticised it as a misguided and ill-conceived plan that is unlikely to yield any significant results. One of the main criticisms of the walk is that it was too little, too late. Many feel that Gandhi should have taken more concrete steps earlier on to strengthen the Congress party and build a strong opposition front to take on the ruling BJP. By embarking on a walk across the country so close to the election, some argue that Rahul is simply trying to make up for lost time and playing catch-up. Another criticism of the walk is that it was more of a publicity stunt than a genuine attempt to connect with the people. While Rahul Gandhi did interact with people along the way and address rallies and public meetings, some feel that the walk was more about generating media attention and building his own brand than about truly understanding and addressing the concerns of ordinary citizens.
Despite these criticisms, there is no denying that the 3000-km walk has put Rahul Gandhi back in the spotlight and given him a new platform to engage with the voters. Whether this translates into electoral success in 2024 remains to be seen, but it is clear that the walk has energised Gandhi’s supporters, mostly the youth, and given them a renewed sense of hope and optimism.
Media coverage boost
Apart from the criticisms, Rahul Gandhi’s rallies have been getting widespread media coverage, with many outlets praising his energy and enthusiasm. However, some have raised concerns about the lack of substance in his speeches and the focus on personality rather than policy. Some critics have accused the media of giving Rahul Gandhi a free pass, focusing on his charisma rather than the issues that matter to the people.
To conclude, Rahul Gandhi’s rallies and Yatra have been making headlines for the past few months, with many seeing them as a sign of a renewed energy in India’s Congress party. However, there are concerns about the lack of a coherent message or strategy and the focus on Rahul Gandhi’s personality rather than the party’s policies. Despite the mixed reactions, there is no denying that his rallies have captured the attention of the public and the media. Only time will tell if they will translate into electoral success for the Congress party or not.
