The responsibility would be decided by the leadership
Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi will soon assume greater responsibilities, he himself confirmed on Thursday, either in the organisation or in the government, ending weeks of speculation on whether he was agreeable to playing a role befitting one whom the party hopes to project as its prime ministerial candidate in 2014.
Taken aback by this public acknowledgment, the Congress predictably responded cautiously with a carefully composed press release. “We will be very happy if Shri Rahul Gandhi takes on more responsibility and it will be a very welcome step,” general secretary and media chairperson Janardan Dwivedi said adding, “What responsibility [whether in the government or in the party] and when is up to the party leadership and Rahulji to decide.”
Mr. Gandhi’s affirmation to an NDTV reporter that he was ready and willing to move up shortly after he cast his vote in the presidential election in the Parliament House came a day after Congress president Sonia Gandhi — in response to a question from the same reporter — said whether her son assumed greater responsibilities would depend on him.
On Thursday, when Mr. Gandhi was asked whether he would play a more proactive role in the coming days, he replied in the affirmative. Pressed on when that would be, he gestured towards his mother, — who was standing next to him — saying it would be decided by the leadership. Would that be in the government? “Both options are open,” Mr. Gandhi replied.
This comes in the wake of a spate of statements from senior Congress leaders urging the party’s heir apparent to take on more responsibilities in the organisation or government. From External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna, who suggested he join the government to Law Minister Salman Khurshid, who wanted Mr. Gandhi to give the party a new direction and a new ideology, to general secretary Digvijay Singh, who urged him to play a bigger role, the statements mounted to a crescendo in recent weeks.
What does this all mean? On Thursday, a Congress functionary interpreted Mr. Gandhi’s statement as making a few things clear: one that he was willing to do more; two, that he was still debating whether it would be in the government or in the party, and three, that he, Ms. Gandhi and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh would decide its timing, and finally, that this was imminent.
A key Congress leader told The Hindu that they believed Mr. Gandhi’s preference till now was to play a larger role in the organisation. While this would not be that of a Working president as that would undermine Ms. Gandhi’s position (a working president is appointed, party sources said, only when the jobs of Prime Minister and Congress president are held by one person), it could be that of vice-president (a job held in the past by Arjun Singh when Rajiv Gandhi was Prime Minister and Congress president, and by Jitendra Prasad). A Congress functionary said: “Now, when Mr. Gandhi wishes to consult one of us, he does so, but if he becomes vice president, we can approach him as well. It would automatically give him a larger role.”
However, with Mr. Gandhi saying both options are open, there is speculation that he could be given a social sector slot in the government — the Rural Development Ministry, for instance — so that he could both get a fix on governance while taking forward some of the UPA’s flagship programmes forward. There are people in the party who feel that if the 42-year-old general secretary is to become a credible prime ministerial candidate in 2014, it will help him get some administrative experience before that.
No body is born great.Rahul Gandhi should travel extensively through length & breadth of country and get familiar as well as friendly to all those who have yet to see the light of freedom. He will get the upward jump weather he intends or is ready for it.Instead of under rating him, we should wish him success and advise him the priorities, India needs.There is endless work to be done to explore India's true wealth, MANPOWER, AGRICULTURE & ANIMAL HUSBANDRY. Mera Bharat Mahan.
If not Rahul, what alternative the congress party has? The rest is deadbeat.
He is a 'misfit' for any major role...His strategies in UP, Bihar and TN
have been a cropper...When he says he is ready to assume a more pro-active
role, what does he have to show that he first deserves it...It's a hobby,
not his passion
Who is this guy and what is his qualification or stand so that he is
being looked up on even? Of course, other than him being " son of ". If
an IAS officer with excellent caliber and track record joins politics
will he be able to have it as easy as this lad has had?
Rahul Gandhi being the PM candidate in 2014 is a fait accompli as the Congress cannot and will not propose any other person like Scindia,Pilot or Deora.All discussions are simply irrelevant.What comes to my mind here is that 60 years ago in our govt.office at any given time 50% of the posts remained vacant.When I asked our head of office as to why he should not press the higher ups to fill up the vacancies for the smooth running of office,he said that the civil service invented by the Englishmen was such that it would work whether there were men to man posts or mediocre manning or none manning and as such he was not asking for replenishment which the higher ups would not care to consider.Though on the face of it, it appears absurd for application to governance of a country but if deeply reflected,only this formula is working.Result?We tumble,fall down,bruise ourselves,get up and plod on.This is what is happening all along.We are surviving.So let Rahul or any other guy come.We march on.
For once, is there none from the "minorities and weaker sections" of the society to assume such a "larger role and responsibility"? Perhaps it is the privilege of the party workers and high command to decide.
Rahul as an indian and a congressman,he has got every right to become the leader of the People and can be a PM if elected by many in the party.But as heir apparent or a person from Nehru clan,has no right and it is ridiculous that any tom and dick from Nehru family can claim inheritance to power and position in the Country.If Rahul takes up the leadership of the Congress,it is good for the party,as the party has no leaders of worth.But he is yet to wait for many more decades to become the PM of worth in the Country.Congress men can raise him to the skies,but to ordinary Indians he is like any other indian on the streets.Why should media and the party should bestow this honour to a person,who is yet to eligible for any higher post in the Country.IT is the mischief of the media,that makes Rahul is a great.India needs men like JP,Asok Mehta, Nethaji, Nehru,Indira, Morarji only.
On the one hand we have iconic leaders like Arvind Kejriwal, who stood up for people against so many odds. He should have been the hot property for all political parties. Instead, we are running after somebody who hasnt yet proven his capabilities and are ready to hand the country on a platter. As a country, we got our priorities totally upside down. Are we getting what we deserve?
Lately Rahul Gandhi has taken the decision for which I have been waiting for.
Against all the defaming practices on social media via cartoons and adds, I firmly believe Rahul Gandhi has the capability to take the responsibilty.
The duration he has spent in active/dormant politics will be the cornerstone of his proactive role.
I am not expecting that in one week or in a month he will pull rabbit of his hat. But yes, expectations are high from he as per his legacy.
I see no critical analysis by the media in general about Mr Rahul Gandhi saying he
is ready for a larger role in the party or government and it is up to his mother to
decide the timing. The public only knows he belongs to the Gandhi family. They
have no idea about his educational qualifications, extra curricular achievements,
his knowledge of world and domestic affairs. But, they are aware of his active lead
in campaigning for assembly elections in Bihar and UP, but the results were dismal
failures.He himself is reported to have told the AP youth congress before recent
by-elections that days of dynasty rule was over in congress and so on ! Under
these circumstances, do the aging congressmen think that by projecting Mr Rahul
Gandhi for Prime Ministership in the run up to 2014 polls, it will neutralize impact
of scams and poor performance of congress led govt in UPA-2 to return to power ?
Aren't there young qualified ministers like Mr Scindia, Mr Pilot, Mr Deora, Ms Selja
to lead them ?
I tend to make a comparison between Yougaslavia and India.Both the
countries have much diversity in terms of ethnicity,language,culture etc.So,as long as some one like Marchel Tito,in the case of Yougaslavia,was at the helm of affairrs,things went on well.But once he disappeared from the scene,Yougaslavia broke into pieces-Sebia,Croatia,Macedonia,etc.In the case of India,it is one family that is holding it together.The Indians have a great culture of personality cult.They believe that some one else will solve their problems.So Congress is heavily dependant on this family.What will happen to this country if Rahul fails to deliver,which seems to be the case?.Unfortunately BJP is too democratic and does not project individuals for future leadership.Average Indian likes a person to be projected.So. there is disarray there also.So,What will be the binding force for the country if the ruling family fails to continue to rule,for one reason or the other?
The entire media went into a tizzy when Rahul Gandhi indicated that he was ready to play a more'proactive'role in the party and the government and started to throw in a number of portfolios from Defense to HRD.A section of the media asserted that his willingness to play a bigger role will enable him to move up in the hierarchy eventually to become the party's p.m candidate in the 2014 elections.
So far he has wielded and enjoyed all the power and influence without being accountable.If he is assigned a formal position he can't afford to be lethargic or indifferent as the responsibilities that goes with authority are enormous, he has to do justice to it. He has to learn from scratch as he lacks experience in governance.
The fact that he has not opened his mouth regarding corruption in his own party as well as in the government,his indifference to the problems plaguing the nation,insensitivity in times of distress & long bout of oppressive silence has made him unpopular & outdated.
It is a pity - For 4 generations independent India is after Nehru
family to rule the country. This is a mockery of democracy, anyway if
people want it no one can stop.Like famous brand name Gandhi name is
freely monopolised - even though the connection is only to his grand
father Feroz Gandhi. His performance inside the parliament as MP, is
insignificant - a leader to rule the country should either be a
scholar, statesman, someone in any field, or an idealist to serve his
countrymen.On the one hand we say we try to remove caste system -
based on birth; on the other we create new ruling class caste. A
strange country. If we have faith in that family, why hold elections
and waste time and money; you can entrust them the job of selecting
the number of members to rule the country
When certain things are inevitable,we have to accept the same as they hit though with a pinch of salt.In the ruumour now going rounds about the ascendancy of Rahul,one silver line is that he has a few good years of sane learning of Indian politics and the messing up of economy by the so called 'maestros of economy'. He should also eschew the feeling,"I know everything as a Nehru family guy" and become receptive to criticism and more important tolerant to accusations if he wants to shine as a Mass leader.Young that he is and as the nation needs only youngsters to hold fort,Rahul has a good chance.When Rajiv,his dad who had no intention to be a politician could perform so very excellently and add shine to the PM's crown that fell on his head by chance,why not Rahul?He too can,of course with a disciplined approach to the issues before the nation.
PM is the person having largest majority in parliament. It is good news that Rahul Gandhi is willing to play a larger role because at present position he is unable. Let the elections take place, lets see who gains majority in parliament.Common man will be happy if growth of country is system centric and not individual centric.
I don't understand why Rahul Gandhi is being hounded by dogs by some
people all the time. Who in this country is not 'inheriting'? From
movies to politics to army there is favoritism in this country.Moreover,
he will have to earn people goodwill to stay there at the top. Did
Maneka Gandhi or Varun Gandhi reached there on their own merit? What
about Mulayam's son- a state of 20 crore democratically elected him!
would Abhishek Bachchan been there had it not been his father?
It is intriguing to notice the comments supporting an individual who has
no experience in governance. How does he be the eligible to become the
PM just because he holds a surname 'Gandhi' ? The country needs a
leader, a visionary, a CEO of the profit making company named India and
not a guy who holds no experience whatsoever! There is no scope of
development in this country unless nepotism is removed.
It is a good news. Nothing like a testing role in government. Unless one assumes
responsibility for some specific area of governance it is not possible to gain the
experience in doing so. The public at large will also know how good he is as a
decision-maker. Running a government is different from running a political party.
This is far larger role. One has to use robust common sense and should be able to
predict in advance what could be reactions of different sections of the population.
He gained considerable experience moving around in the rural area and it is a
good idea to try him, to be begin with, there. Exposure to foreign affairs is also
essential for it helps to get an idea of what role India plays and will have to play
over time and more importantly it helps knowing the minds of leaders of different
nations as part of building one's own perceptions.
It is interesting to know that Rahul is stepping forward in Indian politics..but Rahul is still immature in Politics,as earlier shown in Elections of UP and Bihar..He still has need to understand the basic Indian polity.
Thanks god finally Rahul has decided, I thought he will take some more years to decide.
I am a believer that luck has more to play than your effort for the
turns that life gives. He was born into the Nehru family and that's his
luck. Now is the opportunity for him to turn that luck into a lasting
legacy. Hope he works towards a corrupt free government and improve
governance. Hope he listens to good mentors and shoo away sycophants.
All the best.
True Gandhi fought and brought freedom to our country. It is very annoying that the
highest posts of the country are given as a birth right for these
Gandhi's who are actually thieves involved in so many scams. I guess it
is all our fate. God, have mercy on our people and give justice.
Hope he would bring about a semblance of sanity in the political arena and the 125 year Congress Party..
Three cheers to 42 years young kid, the ever bachelor Rahul Baba for his elevation as Prince of Congress Party in the post of Vice President along with a gift of cabinet berth. The Nehru/GAndhi clad is always bestowed with plum posts in the cabinet and the highest post of the country the Prime Minister is reserved like SC/ST reservations. The Congress leaders have no guts to challenge the dirty lineage Nehru/Gandhi dynasty.
This is very shocking; I fail to understand other than being "heir apparent" what is that Mr Rahul Gandhi stands for. A person who is supposed to take higher responsibilities and is also being projected as Prime Ministerial Candidate of Congress should have done something worth mentioning. He is always missing when the chips are down for the government (aka Congress). Leave aside him being in forefront, one has never heard what he thinks about all the scams that has happened in the government be it 2G, CWG, NHRM, Deva Deal, Adarsh Building Scam etcs. I think a person who thinks he can take higher responsibilities should have some credentials. It’s now, Mr. Gandhi to show us what he is made of and then think of higher responsibilities.
"The responsibility would be decided by the leadership"
ok SG will decide
but SG said RG will decide
Infinite loop
AN OPEN LETTER TO RAHUL GANDHI We are all saddened by the pace of developments in our country in the last 55 years since
independence, I am sure you are too. We must acknowledge that independent India has not
been able to deliver the dream set by its forefathers like Nehru and Gandhi. Honourable past
president Abdul Kalam has written how development of our beloved country has lagged
behind our south east Asian neighbours like Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand on
a PPP basis. The need of the hour is to take revolutionary steps rather than evolutionary
ones to bring the quality of life of citizens on par with developed nations.
At this juncture when you are contemplating on taking a more proactive role, here is a
proposal that I as a citizen of India would like to put forth to you. At the southern most tip of
India, just 150 kilometers from Indonesia are the Islands of Andaman and Nicobar (ANI). A
group of 572 islands with a population of 379944 people in an area of 8249 square
kilometers. Comparatively, ten times larger than Singapore which is just 704 square
kilometers in area. Let us release these islands from Indian governance with little control
over it, except that it would always be a part of Indian Union and its security would be
handled by India. This island would have immigration controls and highly eligible Indians
would only be allowed to settle there. An independent constitution would need to be created
for this nation. It can act as the world hub for India with superior infrastructure, airports and
industries. This is no different than how companies transform themselves by creating
independent superiorly performing units and merging them.
Can you take independent control of this island nation as the Governor General for the next
10 years and transform it to an independent nation with atleast half the development
achieved by Singapore today. Singapore has a GDP of 239.7 Billion US dollars, PPP per
capita of $59936 which is third highest in the world with a child mortality rate of 2.6 deaths
per 1000 children.
There are several advantages in doing this independent nation of ANI under India. This
would have set an excellent example for other states in India to replicate the achievements
that have been done in Andaman and Nicobar. Transformation and creation of new
constitution with learnings incorporated from Indian experience would immensely help in
reinventing Indian constitution itself. Highly effective governance policies implemented in this
island nation can be replicated across Indian states helping them to take giant steps which
are much necessary. This nation’s development would immensely boost Indian citizen’s
confidence. We would have a superior example to showcase to the world that India can
achieve better governance.
In the present scenario n0 political party has the requisite
leadership qualities, to lead a nation. So the traditional leadership
of Nehru/gandhi family has to take up the position. It is good that
Rahul Gandhi has accepted the resposibility of the congress as there no
one willing to come forward.More over Gandhi family is welknown in the
outside world. Since the general elections are in 2014 which is not far
away, Rahul has enough time to consolidate and involved in the pre
election arrangements. By choosing him for leadership of the congress,
young congress youths can consolidate the party.Whether one likes it
or not, the nation has to accept the situation.Like his father he has
not been exposed to politics and governance,but by plungging into the
affairs, he will learn. It is something like saying" the best thing to
learn swimming is to get into the water" By this one action the
congress has a message to the nation that the party cannot be ignored.
It's Congress' internal issue. The post of General Secretary is not a
small one in Congress. One wonders what successes he has had in that
position. Going by his successes in UP and other states recently, we all
know what impact he will have in his bigger role.
Does not the Congress Party have any other person more suitable . What are Rahul,s credentials except Gandhi[?] family
I feel the "Educated" youth may feel insulted that they are being led by
someone with little or no independent standing except for the fact that
he is his father's son and grandmother's grandson.
Further, India needs a smart leader. We need statesmen
not political Don Quixotic, so called youth leaders. A forty year old
cannot be called a youth leader.
What qualification Rahul possess? Only one is that he belongs to Nehru-
Indira family. Has he got any leadership quality?
India do not have any kingdoms and kings. But India is ruled by the Nehru/Gandhi family dynasty, except for a very brief period. Rahul Gandhi might be already grooming his descendent. India is the only democratic country where the most important political party is known with the personal name of its founder as Congress (I) for Indira Gandhi. It is preferable to designate the Nehru/Gandhi family as the only legitimate rulers of India to avoid controvorsies and election expenses. No wonder India always support Cuba, Syria, North Korea and other dynastic countries instead of democratic countries. Is the Nehru/Gandhi dynasty decndents of God as claimed by the Egyptian Pharoas, many emperors and kings? The fate of India remains in the hands of Nehru/Gandhi dynasty. Many Indians worship the members of this dynasty as saviors of Indian democracy. The rulers from this family are groomed like Buddhist holy people before the age of puberty so that they can take contol of India without objection.
Promotions are given in private and public sector on a person's ability to perform at higher level of responsibility and shoulder heavier burden. Here we have a situation where the person who has no credentials of performing well even at the gram panchayat level is being offered higher responsibilities of his choice. Rahul you are a lucky one to have born with a silver spoon. If you fail at any level (I am sure you will given your track record), Digvijay Singh, SM Krishna, Janardan Dwivedi and scores of the 'sychopant brigade' will become the fall guys.
The Hindu had last year in a US State Dept wikileaks cable shown how the then US Ambassador Robert Mulford recounted Congress politicians and insiders close to Nehru family having informed him about "Rahul Gandhi's personality disorders of mental and psychological nature that make him severely unsuitable for PM post". And now this same person (in education as well as experience) is suddenly the greatest hope of the Congress party and will take larger role in the governance of this country? God help us ...
Mr.Rahul Gandhi, for God's sake don't threaten us. we are scared stiff already.
IF RAHUL wants to enter politics, he must first assume Presidenship of the congress to control the govt and give new direction to stabilise economy and remove corrupt polkiticians and Unions Ministers from their seat toshow the public about his blemishless act as to succeed as PM.Ms Indra gandhi was holding dual post for sometime to control ecnomy and also to head thee party for good and the peooke expdct such Leaders in future.Ledt us hope for the best.
Is our country expectantly awaiting the advent of the messiah? May be, in the eyes of the
media and the Congress party.
Good move by sonia to counter BJP PM candidate Modi but another beginning of
family politics and would expect priyankas children joining politics?
Is the country expectantly awaiting the advent of the messaiha? Maybe the media and the
Congress are doing that, but surely not the bulk of the people in this country.
huh.. I don't know when we are going to get out of this madness. What
does Rahul Gandhi know about ruling country? Indian laws must change.
Anyone who wants to rule the country, must have ruled a state first. And
no candidate should be chosen without a debate in the public.
Why do these people and others think people can not see through this ? We know the day he was born, he will be a politician and will be a PM (of India). So whay are they (politicians) acting like they are following some kind of protocol or some ritual, something of higher calling. Come one its Power, Money and Power (did I say Power twice ?). He is the only son, and is expected of him to take over the responsibility of the party and India, its the family thing. ..not sure where I fit in, But I sure know where Mr.Subir Kumar Datta (above) falls in.
For me, all of this seems like a perfect character arc of an antagonist in a story set up with a political back drop. Act-2 is about to end but still no sign of real protagonist.
And so the prince graciously accepts his royal duties. Whatever happened to being judged on one's own merit? Rahul Gandhi's sole qualification for becoming a leader is his last name. This is no inspiration to the youth of India, its demoralizing.
More than 50% of India's population is under 30 and it is good that
Rahul Gandhi is planning to take a bigger role in the Government. He
should be given a portfolio like Education (or) Infrastructure
Development since they are all important for the next stage of
India's growth. All young,educated and performing Ministers of State
like Sachin Pilot, Pallam Raju and others should be given cabinet
ranks in order to bring in new ideas and energize the Government.
Important portfolios like Finance, Defense, External Affairs and Home
can continue to be held by Veterans. This will provide the right
balance and speed up the reform process.
It is good the gandhi scion is taking some responsibility. So he far he has been heavily
shielded and ducked to give a clear stance on the major policy matters. It is good for
country that people realize his real capability. Till now he has lots of power without any
substantial responsibility.
Sounds good really! we need an infusion of young people in politics.
We havent seen anything since the days of the so-called 'Young Turks'
This may trigger initially a dynamism that could initiate fresh ideas and policies in the Indian subcontinent
It’s pretty unfortunate to see things brewing in a such a manner which is not natural -> Pressed on when that would be, “he gestured towards his mother, Ms Gandhi — who was standing next to him”. I hope India understands better than he does in making decisions. It would have been a real good gesture if he told “by me at right time”. This looks like leadership crisis in Congress has reached its pinnacle stage and rubbing onto most inexperienced person (history speaks that) who is destined to fail. His fate will not be decided either by his mother or Congress leadership but can be saved only by the people of India which I think everybody are forgetting and most importantly by him.
If Congress thinks he be the PM let them project him a PM Candidate.
If people think he is the best leader they can get...they will vote. Everyone knows whats what and who s who.
The announcement of Rahul Gandhi that he is willing to be proactive
and accept responsibility in the congress party may have surprised
many in the opposition. But looking at the political scenario with
opposition in disaaray, it will be a matter of serious nature
requires foresight for preparing the country for a general election.
Rahul has enough time to learn the nuances of politics and to plan for
conducting an election by selecting the candidates in advance and to
rope in alliance partners to form the government. This type of shadow
cabinet like in Britain is a sure way to form the Government.
The news of Rahul taking up a pro active role is most welcome.
This shows that all along Rahul was not in active role. He was
simply acting in side roles. The post of Congress General
Secretary which he is now holding is not an active role
according to him. Then Dig Vijaya Singh and other General
Secretaries are all wastes. How can suddenly the very biggest
responsibility of Prime Minister ship or the post of Congress
Chief be entrusted to the inexperienced young lad now. Indira was
a Minister in Nehru Cabinet and then Congress Chief before
becoming the Prime Minister. Rahul's performance in the party and
in the Parliament as well, was not one to be claimed as special
Parliament has not so far heard of any of his significant speech
on any subject. He has no experience of managing even a
Municipality. This will be nothing but a futile and grave attempt
of Sonia to maintain the dynastic Congress rule, especially when
the country is facing economic downfall and Security threat
rahul taking a bigger role how does it matter to the suffering
commanman? this will only excite the congress first family fans. he did
lead the party campaign in u.p. what happened.?
It is good, but doubt on his caliber, as he has done nothing outstanding work or get any special achievement as a youth ICON of congress party. After this role , he was assigned a responsibility to cudgel out congress in UP election, result dismal performance. Being a son from Gandhi clan he has been given and congress party trying different caps to suits but results disarray. So, do not visualise any commanding work or any fantastic achievement Time will tell, but his past works has been also checked. Any way congress has no other choice but sit in the lap of one more Gandhi clan members. if he will not suits than Robert is ready.
It is an interesting to know Rahul Gandhi's mind and his decision to play pro-active role. This may inspire the youth to join and to play constructive role in the country's social/developmental works. Thanks to Rahul Gandhi. GGandhiGandhiGandhi.
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