In 2014, for example, when the Congress made its campaign all about Rahul Gandhi’s pet project, ‘Chowkidar chor hai’, the BJP fought back. The BJP used the hashtag ‘chowkidar’ to make the point that being a chowkidar was not derogatory, it was a respectable profession and that the PM was guarding the nation. Just when it seemed that the election was becoming all about Modi vs Rahul Gandhi and the two were being seen as contenders for the top job, in repeated interviews and interactions, both Gandhi and Congress made it clear that he was not fighting for the top job. This was hard to believe, because Gandhi was also Congress President at that time.
BJP’S STAR CAMPAIGNER?
The BJP has been saying that each time Rahul Gandhi has “opened his mouth”, he has ensured at least 100 extra votes for the party. But there is no denying the fact that today, if any political leader is seen as an unmixed opponent of the Modi government, with no ifs and buts, it’s Rahul Gandhi. While some of his plans and strategies may have ended up helping the BJP, he has been steadfast in – “I will chase what I believe in.” This has often landed his party in a fix. For instance, not many were convinced that ‘chowkidar chor hai’ was a good line.
This election, not many are happy either with the talk of reservation (certainly not the Brahmin Congress leaders who are fighting for relevance), or with the inheritance tax narrative.
The question then is as to why is this election becoming Modi vs Rahul even though the Congress dreads this.
MODI VERSUS RAHUL – GOOD OR BAD FOR THE CONGRESS?
It’s become this for precisely the position taken by Rahul Gandhi. He has been directly attacking Modi on every thing the PM is pitching for. When the Prime Minister talks about ‘sabka saath, sabka vikaas’, Rahul says that it’s not possible without reservation. When PM Modi says India is recognised globally for its entrepreneurship, Rahul says the rich are getting richer and wealth distribution must be studied.
Despite the fact that Rahul Gandhi is no longer the party president, the animations and the promos of the Congress are all about him. It’s Gandhi, who is the “tiger” taking on the PM. The Congress has been carefully mapping his rallies. It has been noticed that he is usually going to those areas where the PM goes. At each rally, Rahul Gandhi has been heard quoting the Prime Minister and then taking him on.
To the voters, it has begun to look like Rahul vs Modi. Also, most INDIA front allies are either quiet on this or raise no objection, thereby reinforcing the narrative.
The Congress seems to be taking this risk as it believes it’s well worth it. The Congress seems to think there is a fatigue with the Prime Minister and the BJP. Rahul Gandhi has now thrown an open challenge to PM Modi asking if the BJP can even cross 150 seats in General Elections.
Whether the voters are convinced on this challenge or not is not a worry as Rahul Gandhi and his team are and in private, have no qualms about the contest becoming Rahul vs Modi.
This narrative suits the BJP, which is why it wastes no time in picking on Gandhi
Even though no one from the Congress will openly say it’s Modi vs Rahul, their actions say a lot.
Check Lok Sabha Election 2024 Phase 3 Schedule, Key Candidates And Constituencies At News18 Website.
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