Rahul Gandhi: The reluctant prince from Gandhi-Nehru dynasty

He is the current contender from Indian National Congress - though undeclared so far - for the post of Prime minister of India. Comes from a family of Prime Ministers, which historically is more than enough justification for Congressmen to bestow anyone with the role at the helm – of the party and the country. However, it remains to be seen if the party leads the front to a majority this time around.. Currently the Vice-President of the Indian national Congress, Gandhi is not exactly known for his wise ways with words or deeds. Certainly is not the best one who can unify the party or the country. And he is not the best one from the family either, many argue. But he has been the only willing one so far. Many perceive him to be a 'reluctant prince' critically inexperienced despite having done pretty much nothing else in his entire career.. The 43-year-old bachelor is the son of the slain former PM Rajiv Gandhi, and his grandmother and grandfather were also prime ministers of India.. Facing a ‘generation shift’ among its senior members Congress had no choice but to field Rahul as its frontman during this election. And the hesitant approach was all there in full public view again.. To make matters worse, he was often outshone on the campaign trail by his younger sister Priyanka, who despite stubbornly denying any news of full-fledged political entry, campaigned for her mother and brother in Amethi and Rae Bareli.. Once described in a leaked US diplomatic cable as "an empty suit", Rahul has never held public office and shunned several offers by outgoing Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to serve in his cabinet.. While insisting that he can pull off the unexpected and keep Congress in power, Gandhi told a recent TV interviewer that "defeat just makes you stronger".. Rahul is fighting from Amethi form where he was elected in 2009 with a margin of 333,000 votes from his nearest candidate. BJP’s Smriti Irani is his opponent here.. From Gulf News archives. Rahul gets set to plough lonely furrow for his party Rahul Gandhi tries to douse flames of anger . Trouble at home. There are reports that he even faces strong anti-incumbency push in Amethi. Anger against Rahul Gandhi simmers in Amethi Faith in Gandhi dynasty wavers in family fiefdom . Sibling trouble? . To make mattes worse for Rahul, Priyaka is increasingly stealing the limelight often comfortably outshining him. Priyanka emerging as lead voice of Congress campaign . Master of ill-timed statements. Rahul’s promise of woman chief minister creates flutter . Trouble in the Congress camp. Congress wanted to ‘retire’ Manmohan, but Rahul failed to deliver Congress shielding Rahul over possible debacle . . With inputs from AFP

Rahul Gandhi: The reluctant prince from Gandhi-Nehru dynasty

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