Yet to find his bearings

Well, to reach the safety – of anything – one needs to get his coordinates right. The coordinates at present don't seem to be exactly capable of dictating the right course for Rahul, political observers here feel. Rahul Gandhi who is just back from his leave of absence – which is being described variously as siesta, sabbatical, meditation, self-reflection....etc – is in the process of "learning his ropes" as some within his own party like to put it. A Rajya Sabha MP from Andhra Pradesh puts it "well, it is a good development. Is’nt it so? What is all this hoopla about? After all, we in the party, as well his mother, are all excited about the return of the prodigal son. Raasta bhatak gaya tha. Waapis chalaa Aayaa." (lost his way, came back home").

Ask him whether Rahul is learning too much too fast, he would not answer anyway. What is puzzling even his own party men now is the priority-swing that Rahul makes to prove his point, if any. Farmer, small traders, middle class, Hindus in general...the list is interesting as well as intriguing. "Rahul could be fighting his own personal battle for all that matters. He could be reassuring himself about his calibre. He could be also trying to score over the party seniors. His adventures now could be a SWOT analysis, too. Whether this would benefit the party in the long run is to be seen,” yet another senior Congressman from the north, elaborates.

There could be differing voices regarding his capabilities. However, when it comes to the challenges, the verdict is unanimous. "Rahul's activism does not amount to fighting Modi or the BJP-led NDA itself. Our enemies are many. It could be the Janata Parivaar, the NCP, the TMC, AIDMK, the TRS, the TDP....the list is ever growing. We are one amongst the Opposition and jostling for our own space. Rahul is preparing his army now. Who will it take on and where is all unkown. Rahul baba's efforts no doubt strengthen the Opposition. Does Congress benefit out of this..." his voice trails off. Are you listening Baba?