Anant Rangaswami
We do not need a Prince Charles in India. If Rahul Gandhi is committed to a career in politics, he has two choices: one, is to become the king-in-waiting and take over as head as the Congress party from his mother, the Queen; two, he could join the government and play an active role in the running of the UPA. If he opts for the first, he will, like Prince Charles, be seen as an ornament rather than as a decisive player in politics. If he gets into government, he gets the opportunity to learn, first hand, what it takes to make laws and policies, warts and all. That will be critical learning if he aspires, some day, to head the government itself. Indira Gandhi, Rahul’s grandmother, earned her spurs as a politician – and that allowed her respect and clout both within her party and without when she first aspired to be Prime Minister. For Rahul Gandhi to enjoy support without sniggers – both in the party and outside of it – joining the government presents an opportunity to say to naysayers, “I’ve not inherited my position of power, I’ve worked for it and earned it.”read less read more
Simantik Dowerah
Rahul Gandhi should not join the Union cabinet now only because there it would just mean filling a spot for the next two years. His priority should be to help Congress retain power convincingly in 2014. If Congress wins in 2014, it will in all likelihood look for an experienced person at PMO rather than putting Rahul right at the hot seat. He can join the cabinet in future, prove himself and claim the Race Course Road residence on merit in the future. If the Gandhi scion can take Congress to a poll victory, he will not only have mass support but show that he has class, is true to his political lineage and capable of handling the responsibility of a ministry.read less read more
