It’s early days yet, but for now, it’s clear that the INDIA coalition allies are okay with letting Rahul Gandhi be the face of the bloc. A far cry from those days when the bloc was formed ahead of the 2024
polls where the issue of the face of the alliance was kept in limbo. But once the Lok Sabha results poured in, ahead of Bengal polls, voices emerged looking at options who could be the face. Most zeroed in on Mamata Banerjee. But post-Bengal results, she has been eased out and Rahul Gandhi has occupied the space. But the allies are waiting and watching. In case, the Congress fails to perform in Punjab and UP polls, then it’s likely that work could begin on a so-called third front consisting of anti-Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and anti-Congress parties. But that’s for later. Rahul Gandhi and Congress are the main pan-India party akin to the BJP, which is what the allies are ready to play on. And wait and watch. But there is no denying that Rahul Gandhi has managed to galvanise his party cadre and ensure that state and district units were out and about to make sure that the rally was a success.
THE REAL CHALLENGE FOR RAHUL GANDHI
It is to win elections. Punjab and Uttar Pradesh loom large. Will he be able to ensure that the same manner in which the crowds were organised for the rally, will also hit the ground running for polls? In fact, with just about three months left to go for polls, it’s expected that by now the party and Rahul Gandhi must be in poll mode.
It’s not just the BJP but allies who are watching too. To see if the same zeal during street protests is replicated at the ballot box. And whether it’s been worth the effort they have made to let Rahul Gandhi hog the show.
