Land Bill protest: Sonia leads march, Rahul missing, Congress not amused

Sonia Gandhi is leading the march against the NDA government’s Land Bill and she has almost the entire opposition rallying behind her, agreeing to continue the march despite being denied permission. Her willingness to take up a challenge despite her failing health speaks volumes about her. But is it not a responsibility that should have been shouldered by Rahul Gandhi? Many in the Congress have started asking the question in private. While Gandhi is up to his vanishing act once again, it is his mother who is playing the able general, summoning all the resources at hand to launch a spirited attack on the government. Her key aides like Ahmed Patel and Ghulam Nabi Azad have been reaching out to other parties for a concerted effort. Other senior leaders, largely dormant so far, have pitched in. A sizeable chunk of the Opposition - Left, TMC, SP, RJD, JDU, JDS, DMK and INLD – has come on board against the NDA. [caption id=“attachment_2129595” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] Reuters image[/caption] So where does that leave Rahul Gandhi? The Congress has been at pains to project the vice president as “pro-poor” and even claimed he was the architect of the 2013 Land Acquisition Bill. But his absence at this juncture where new political realignments could alter the political equation is too conspicuous. “His advisors can get upset about a pro forma from Delhi Police, but will do nothing on the Land Bill. The pro forma issue was an embarrassment for the party, even Rahul Ji would have disliked the way it was played up. The first sign of maturity would be to recognizing people who are landing him in such a situation time and again,” says a senior leader on condition of anonymity. “This is the main reason why many in the party are hesitant about him taking over.” he confides. The party has made a few changes by appointing new chiefs in five states who are perceived to be Rahul’s choice. But the party remains divided over handing over complete control to him which is believed to be the main reason behind the vice president’s protest leave. Over the past seven years, Rahul had been made many offers to accept the top job, but he remained reluctant. Even his mother’s prolonged illness during 2011 could not compel the Gandhi scion into taking over the party. Ironic that now when his supporters want him to take over, the very people who were rooting for his coronation seem to be in two minds. With Sonia Gandhi being able to rally her troops effectively, she has again shown that all it requires is a little humility and application to organise a disoriented Opposition into a cohesive fighting unit. While the entire Congress, especially the party president would have wished it was Rahul leading the charge, the script remains the same. The baton meant for him seems to have evolved into a boomerang, going all the way back to Sonia Gandhi again.