I’m always kindly disposed towards Rahul Gandhi. He is a simpleton, remarks and reacts without considering any consequences. Be it the memorable gaffes in many of his press meets or the recent comments on the army, I am sure he does not hide anything and reveals whatever disturbs him, regardless of the fallout.
His dislike for Modi and the BJP government may have been influenced by more wily family members, Sonia Ji, who seems to have lost the race for the PM’s post seventeen years ago, and his sister, who seems to sport ideas preparing yet another pseudo-Gandhi as the future leader of their party. Without much preparation, therefore, to doubt the government narratives and question them on Pakistan or China-sponsored terrorist attacks on Uri, Doklam, Pulwama, Galwan, or Tawang causes great embarrassment, much to the joy of China. Our air strikes into Balakot were deeply suspected as well. Rahul must stop his silly tirades against the government regarding Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, Chinese incursions, and our army’s fitting response.
While on the subject, Rahul just completed 100 days of his walk, covering 2800 km, which makes me disregard his Burberrys and grey beard. He has drawn the attention of the common people, endearing them on his route. Simultaneously, known faces like Raghuram Rajan have added strength to his walk by participating in it. I am also dismissive of the BJP party’s immediate negative reactions, equating opposition baiters, which is best avoided.
BJP could win elections and form the government as a direct result of the famous or infamous rath yatra by Shri Advani Ji. The Godhra and Gujarat further polarized the majority of Hindus. Rahul’s march is nothing to despise as he is doing what he is best at, meeting people and mingling with them! Soon after being elected, most political leaders’ self-alienation from the masses is a cause of concern and must change. Jayalalithaa never stopped meeting her cadres, much like her mentor and predecessor, MGR. Rarely can one meet leaders in person unless well-connected.
Rahul is squandering the brownie points he might have earned through his walk by talking silly on a very critical subject. Our army’s successes in thwarting China. Our soldiers brave a minus thirty-five degrees Celsius on the snowy tops, the Kutch swamps, the singeing deserts of Rajasthan or the deep waters of the Indian Ocean. Every citizen of India must support, encourage, and motivate the army and any government mandated to defend the nation. Rahul must not state anything juvenile and further spoil his political career.
If Rahul has information about the Chinese preparing for a war against India, as he claims, he must, as a mature politician, reach out to the government and share the details. Sadly, Rahul is driven by his characteristic naivety, while his crafty party colleagues seem to sport only one goal, to deride the Indian government, forgetting that they are self-inflicting shame and disgrace in the name of opposition.
The army has confirmed repulsing the Chinese. The Chinese have not claimed any victory over Indian forces. The debate must end for the moment gracefully, and the opposition must not act like the spokespersons to reveal battle plans, past or future, which the Chinese will lap up. I can only end by saying loud and clear, JAI HIND.
Sampath Kumar
Intrépide Voix
