Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has been interrogated by the Enforcement Directorate concerning the National Herald corruption case. Party workers are protesting across the nation, and for a change, the ‘absentee leader’ Rahul Gandhi and his party workers, have hit the streets. Big posters and banners have been put up in the capital with a determined-looking Rahul Gandhi being projected as a “Satyagrahi’”.
It all started over a cup of coffee shared among close aides of Rahul Gandhi and political strategists, including Sunil Kanugolu, who has also joined the Congress as one of the members of the 2024 task force. The plan is simple-Rahul Gandhi would be projected as someone who is not scared and geared up for a long-term fight.
All @INCIndia workers & leaders sat in a solemn Satyagrah at INC headquarters to express resentment towards BJP's vendetta politics and its suppressing the voice of our leader Sh. @RahulGandhi Ji.
The Truth is what we uphold, the Satyagrah will continue & the truth will Prevail! pic.twitter.com/tPN8xrxKJz
— Devender Yadav (@devendrayadvinc) June 14, 2022
However, the endgame of the Grand Old Party and its strategists is the hope that Rahul Gandhi’s arrest will give a fresh lease of life to his political career and that of his party. “Arrests help politicians boost their image. It’s a false, old case and we hope to use this to give Rahul Gandhi and the party an image makeover,” said a party leader who is part of the planning.
We're doing satyagraha. No substance in false case of National Herald. To harass Sonia-Rahul Gandhi,they're called to ED office. If they want to say something,it can be done through their lawyers. But making them sit for 4 hrs&harass them is political vendetta: Mallikarjun Kharge pic.twitter.com/JUCa9gVy6g
— ANI (@ANI) June 13, 2022
The party took inspiration from Indira Gandhi’s arrest in 1977 on corruption charges. She took advantage of her arrest to topple the Morarji Desai government by projecting herself as the victim of a political witch-hunt.
However, the central government at that time was weak and plagued by a lot of crises. The Modi government at present is not only stronger but also smarter in political tactics.
But after having failed repeatedly, Rahul Gandhi would try his best to reap the same advantage, should he be arrested. The party cadre across the country has already been sounded out secretly. The challenge is to keep the momentum on the streets going till the former Congress president gets bail.
Credits: News18
Sources claim that if arrested, Gandhi won’t apply for bail soon. Pictures of Rahul Gandhi being escorted to court are to be used by the party to make the point that “Here is the only neta who repeatedly attacks the government and he refused to bow and compromise”.
अग्निपथ – नौजवानों ने नकारा
कृषि कानून – किसानों ने नकारा
नोटबंदी – अर्थशास्त्रियों ने नकारा
GST – व्यापारियों ने नकारा
देश की जनता क्या चाहती है, ये बात प्रधानमंत्री नहीं समझते क्यूंकि उन्हें अपने ‘मित्रों’ की आवाज़ के अलावा कुछ सुनाई नहीं देता।
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) June 17, 2022
A core team has been built to head the campaign, including the two chief ministers Ashok Gehlot and Bhupesh Baghel; as well as prominent leaders, Sachin Pilot and Randeep Surjewala. Young leaders of the party like Sriniwas and Manickam Tagore, are at the forefront along with many women leaders. The party is all set for a “show of strength” this time.
@PrinceArihan argues why the "satyagraha" organised by Congress across India is a Rahul Bachao Andolan
The dynasty should be treated equal to the common man
Rahul Gandhi is an accused out on bail https://t.co/wTK4npYzBd via @kooIndia
— Guru Samy 🇮🇳 (@WellSaidGuru) June 17, 2022
However, the public has been facing inconvenience due to the party workers in several areas like Bengaluru. Some members have also resorted to vandalism.
Renuka Chowdhry on @CNNnews18 right now says that what is ED for Rahul Gandhi. His great-grandfather gave his life for the country's service, so what is ED for Rahul Gandhi.
Not Satyagraha, but Grahan for whatever prospects remain of the Congress.
— Tushar Gupta (@Tushar15_) June 16, 2022
Also, the party hit the streets for an issue that seems to be trivial to the public, instead of taking up public issues like inflation, bulldozing of houses, etc. Last but not the least, given the public image of Mr. Gandhi, the move may very well go to the advantage of the BJP.
References: News18, Times Now, CNN News
Featured Image Source: Republic World
