From a ‘baba’ to a true neta, Rahul Gandhi has negotiated the rough terrain with aplomb. But the young man who fashioned the Congress’s revival is still wary of being called the future prime minister.
“Please don’t consider me as the future prime minister,’’ Rahul told students at a college in Vijayawadaon Wednesday. “Nobody can predict the future. Anybody can become the prime minister,” he added.
Often termed “the crown prince’’, Rahul fielded questions on a range of subjects from the students. It was clear that the political ‘greenhorn’ has honed his skills well to play to the gallery without looking to be trying too hard.
“Prime minister Manmohan Singh is doing a good job,” he said.
Rahul’s positioning as the next prime minister is not without basis. Consider his electoral successes, particularly in Uttar Pradesh, which are attributed to his understated leadership style and tremendous influence on the youth. “He has been hugely successful by making them (youth) believe that there is scope for lateral entry into the party,” says a senior Congress leader.
Having come this far, the end seems to be in the hot seat for Rahul. Whether he admits it or not.
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