Apprenticeship over, no benefit of the doubt for Rahul anymore

Let’s come to the point straight. Rahul Gandhi’s long stint as political apprentice is over. At the helm of the country’s largest party now, he has to deliver, be the change he promised to be. It might be a temporary assignment under unfortunate circumstances but it does not make expectations from him any lower. That he’s only part of a four-member team looking after the party in the absence of Sonia Gandhi cannot be an excuse either. Any decision of this team will be his or perceived to be his. The challenges before him are daunting indeed! He has to revive the sagging fortunes of the directionless UPA and salvage the reputation of India’s own Grand Old Party which is plummeting down the popularity chart alarmingly fast. Buffeted by a slew of grave corruption charges and bruised by relentless attacks from an unusually assertive civil society and the opposition, both need a drastic image makeover. Now that he is up there, and is not likely to be eased out of that position anytime soon, Rahul has to translate all the sincere words he has been mouthing in public into concrete deliverables. He has positioned himself as the voice of conscience in a party that has drifted away from the people; now he has to bridge the gap. It’s not that easy. Goodwill hunting is a rather simple job, particularly from his vantage position, but being responsible is far more difficult.[caption id=“attachment_55271” align=“alignleft” width=“380” caption=“New challenge for Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi. PTI”] [/caption] The real task begins at home. The Congress has come to be identified with corruption and poor governance. The general impression is it has survived because the political alternative for people is not good enough. It’s also no solace that the party is losing its pan-Indian presence fast. With so many corruption charges, the chances of the party making a comeback to power in 2014 look bleak. Just cosmetic changes won’t do anymore, the party needs a drastic overhaul, in its culture, in its approach to people and in its image. Will he be able to take a clear stand on issues like corruption? Will he be strong enough to kick the tainted faces out of the party? This will be a test of character for the young Gandhi. It’s a tough ask in a party where every leader creates his own network of loyalties and pockets of influence. But he has to bite the bullet. Corrective action in his own party would drive the message across to the allies. The Congress is steeped in the culture of sycophancy and servility. These were virtues of another era, and tools of survival for the less competent. Deeply entrenched over the years, these have come to be considered as part of the party’s value system. As a young leader of a more confident generation Rahul would need to change that. But again, it’s easier said than done. Old habits die hard. What are Rahul’s views on the economy? No one knows yet. It’s still not clear where he stands on several other macro issues. Supporting tribals in Niyamgiri and farmers in Uttar Pradesh is one thing but aligning his position to a broad ideological position is quite another. A big challenge for him is to draw a compromise between his left of the centre inclination and the need for economic reforms. He did not have to worry about this earlier; he has to now. He has to give the party the right direction. The Congress organisation is in a shamble across the country and it desperately needs that proverbial kiss of life. This is crucial to the party’s survival in the era of strong regional parties. Any revival plan here would require harsh action. The deadwood has to be jettisoned and new blood brooded. It entails eliminating the unlimited control of limited people on the party’s affairs and displeasing old hands. But it’s a risk Rahul has to take. He also needs to inculcate the party’s vision among the rank and file, which is missing now. Yes, he also needs to promote younger leaders to bring new energy to the party. His party is desperate to see him as Prime Minister after 2014. But his primary task is to get Congress in order fast. A weak party is a huge political liability. Hope Rahul understands it soon. He won’t get the benefit of the doubt anymore.