Modi Vs Rahul: Who will win Mahabharat 2014?

Battle lines are drawn between the ruling UPA coalition led by Congress Party and opposition NDA led by BJP for the upcoming general elections. Now with the election month fast approaching many psephologists, channels and market research organisations started coming with one or the other survey and polls.

It is turning out to be a fascinating battle between Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi, who was specially anionated by his mother Sonia Gandhi to lead the party in the coming elections and Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, whom BJP announced as its Prime Ministerial candidate following his impeccable track record winning Gujarat elections thrice inspite of being communal in the aftermath of Godhra riots.

Now the question is who is going to win the upcoming Mahabharat 2014, Rahul Gandhi or Narendra Modi. Both have their own strengths and weaknesses. Let us see the inside out of both Rahul and Modi, before trying to make a prediction.

Leadership:

Rahul Gandhi always starts with a clear advantage in the sense none will oppose his leadership in the party as, Congress is ruled by dynasty. This is not the case with Narendra Modi who faces tremendous competition with in the party. Infact even LK.Advani opposed the party's decision when he was made BJP's election incharge.

Communication:

Modi's extempore oratory skills cannot be matched by Rahul Gandhi. Many times he made mincemeat of Rahul Gandhi whenever he tried to take him on.

Weaknesses:

Both Rahul and Modi have their own weaknesses. While Modi is always branded murderer for godhra riots, Rahul's confession of Congress leaders involvement in Anti Sikh riots in 1984, put him on a sticky wicket. Rahul's inability to act against corrupt ministers and various scams in his Govt, shows him in bad taste. His behavior as extra constitutional authority even demeaning the post of Prime Minister, will not be appreciated by people.

Strengths:

Rahul showing his intent to act against corrupt ministers, tabling of anti corruption bill in Parliament, may reduce the anti incumbency on the ruling dispensation. His hand in reducing petrol prices, increasing of LPG cylinders cap in the election year, may prove to his party's advantage. Modi in the meantime can boast of development of Gujarat and corrupt free administration along with corporate friendly governance. He can even point to the underdevelopment and backwardness in Rahul's own constituency Amethi and how Rahul didnot even provide shelter to Kalavathi, whose name he famously quoted in the Loksabha.

Opportunities:

Rahul Gandhi with Power at his disposal can do whatever he wants and get quick decisions in favour people which may result in favour of his party. His say in selecting young turks will appeal to the educated lot. Modi's administrative skills and his humble background will make him stay rooted to his origins unlike Rahul who acts in a high handed manner. Modi's amiability to all attracts everyone towards him.

Threats:

In the election year it is quite difficult to keep their folk together. Both Rahul and Modi will face blackmailing from coalition partners and how one handles will prove him to be a better leader.

What surveys point:

People after watching or hearing them on print and electronic media have certainly formed an impression. Already they might have arrived at a decision on whom to elect as their PM candidate to lead the country for the next five years. According to the latest surveys Modi is way ahead of all other candidates in fray including Rahul Gandhi and even Rahul's Congress is expected to fare in a disastrous manner eversince India gained Indepence. However anything can happen in the coming months and as India is having democratic form of system rather than presidential form, it is not necessary that the best person in people's mind be the Prime Minister of the country. Till then keep your fingers crossed.