With all the tall talk, it has eventually become about political survival for Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. If he had been even reasonably confident about holding the Wayanad seat in Kerala, he would certainly have taken on Smriti Irani in Amethi. Whatever the result, he would have been lauded for putting his trust in the people of that constituency. But in a situation where Wayanad is uncertain, he has filed his nomination from mother Sonia Gandhi’s ‘pocket borough’. That is his best chance of getting into the Lok Sabha, as there may still be residual sentiment for the family in that seat.
Despite the make believe narrative being marketed around the country, this one incident reveals the real situation the Congress is facing. By more or less acknowledging this fact midway through the election, the party has sent the message to the voters that it isn’t in the game. Maybe contesting from Amethi would have been a ‘sacrifice’ in the sense that Rahul may have lost, it would have energised the cadre and a better contest resulted in UP and the rest of the country. But the priorities are different – survival first.
There is no harm in this approach, but one should avoid presenting oneself as a ‘great warrior’ unfazed by consequences. It will be interesting to see what role Rahul Gandhi will play now after posing as a ‘savant’ some time ago, then being all into Shiva worship, a social justice warrior, an economist par excellence, etc. And what will the people of Wayanad have to say about it? Are they dispensable, their interests of no consequence? Would they not have been better off with a candidate more focused on the constituency rather than using it as a safe haven, a launch pad to greater glory? Wayanad gave Rahul sanctuary at a time when he had little hopes of winning anywhere else. Is this the way to pay back the favour? And, if he relinquishes the Rae Bareli seat, instead, that will be the end of a ‘long cherished relationship’ with that constituency.
It must not be forgotten that there are a number of cases that hang over his head and being a member of the Lok Sabha helps somewhat in countering the agencies. If he does not make it, there will be less chance of utilising public opinion as a defence. It must be noted in this context that the only reason Arvind Kejriwal is even remembered today is because he happens to be CM of Delhi.
