Gujarat polls: Rahul says Congress confident of winning Gujarat polls
With Gujarat polls' second phase on December 14, today was Congress president-elect Rahul Gandhi's last day of campaigning. After Gujarat police denied permission for holding a roadshow, Rahul had to settle for a hurriedly organized press conference. He took swipes at PM Narendra Modi but ducked questions regarding temple-hopping and quota politics; he also failed to give a well-defined policy for Gujarat. Here's more.
'Gujarat's development has been one-sided'
Rahul lamented that Gujarat's development has been "one-sided." He listed aspects like privatization of 90% schools and colleges, irrational economic policies and contract labor system to highlight this. He insisted that Congress will provide an inclusive development. He expressed confidence about winning the polls.
'Those who don't change the narrative win the polls'
Rahul was asked that Congress's narrative has always been the same: unemployment and farmers' issues. So, what's different now? Rahul explained that election is "won on narrative. Those who don't change it win polls." He claimed BJP always changes its campaign plank, leading to its failure. Elaborating, he said first, it was Narmada, then OBCs and now development issues, which was "punctured" by people.
'Modi doesn't talk about corruption anymore'
Rahul said Modi has stopped talking about corruption ever since questions were raised against Jay Amit Shah's fortunes and the Rafale defense deal with France. He said Modi is either talking about himself or bashing the Congress. He added that "BJP has lost its position."
'Why can't I visit temples?'
When asked about his incessant visits to temples, Rahul questioned what is wrong with that. He said it's "BJP's story" that he visited only Gujarat's temples. He jested "don't you remember, I had gone to Kedarnath. Is Kedarnath in Gujarat?" He said normally Congress holds public meetings. But since they organized yatras, he visited temples during the course of these yatras.
'Political discourse has become nasty and ugly'
Regarding now-suspended Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar's remarks, Rahul stated that his comments were unacceptable. He said his position is clear and action has been taken against Aiyar. He added, "But what Modiji has been saying about Dr. Manmohan Singh is also not acceptable." Rahul said the country's political discourse had become "nasty and ugly" and as Congress president, he wants to change this.
What stood out during Rahul's press conference?
Meanwhile, some aspects stood out. When asked about why was Congress playing quota-politics despite criticizing it, Rahul gave vague answers. He completely avoided the question about Congress's soft Hindutva stance. Rahul had to consult Congress spokesperson, Randeep Surjewala regarding MSP of cotton, Bajra and peanuts during UPA's regime. He was also prompted by Ashok Gehlot through chits when he failed to make some points.
What does this indicate?
Rahul answered questions confidently and even bantered a bit. However, he still seemed to run out of content as he ended up repeating the same aspects. Besides, now as Congress president, Rahul should reduce his dependence on senior leaders while facing the media.
