At the last Congress rally (currently in Government), the heir to the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty spoke of economic reform and development. His "delay” in taking over the leadership of the party concerns some, especially in view of general elections of 2014. For supporters, Rahul wants to break free from political scandals. Meanwhile, his detractors list his defeats.

Mumbai (AsiaNews/agencies)- "India needs economic reforms", because "only when the business will work, can there be development and work for the poorest", according to Rahul Gandhi, Hier to one of the most important families in the country, as he opened the rally yesterday of Congress (ruling party) in New Delhi. Addressing hundreds of thousands of people, Rahul defended the opening of retail market to large supermarkets, a reform criticized and used by the opposition "Bharatiya Janata Party (Bjp, ultranationalist Hindu) to challenge the Government. Significantly, Rahul spoke before Sonia Gandhi, his mother and President of Congress, and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. For some, yesterday's speech was the unofficial appointment of Rahul as candidate for Prime Minister in the general elections of 2014. Yet, according to many analysts the Gandhi dynasty heir is "the greatest uncertainty" of Congress.

Born in 1970, Sonia Gandhi's eldest son doesn't like public appearances and his private life is little known. Great-grandson of Jawaharlal Nehru (first Prime Minister of India after independence in 1947), grandson of Indira Gandhi (Prime Minister twice) and son of Rajiv (assassinated in 1991 by Tamil Tiger militants), Rahul has never assumed major roles in the political arena. Young, educated and "Western", for years he has been seen and proposed as the future leader of Congress and of India. Still, more than once he has delayed his date with destiny and the official investiture as new party leader, preferring instead to deal with the party's youth wing.

The last, perhaps the most controversial, coincides with the Government reshuffle by premier Singh on 28 October last year. At a time of great crisis for Congress, many believed Rahul would finally take center stage. However, the younger Gandhi did not figure among the new Ministers. To legitimize his candidacy, some have speculated a "brand new" party, custom tailored to him and second only to the Presidency of his mother Sonia. Once again though, he is said to have "declined" the offer for unclear reasons.

Rahul's supporters defend his "reserve", arguing that, actually, it's a way to keep away from the scandals that embroiled the current Government. In addition, the 42-year old is rumored to be rebuilding the party from the base, presenting himself as the defender of the common people and the poorest of the poor. Still, in times of great crisis he never raised his voice, preferring to leave that task to his mother or Singh. And in the 2012 general election in Uttar Pradesh, Rahul failed to win the most populous state of India for Congress.

 

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