In a candid conversation with IANS, former Congress senior leader Shakil Ahmad unleashed a barrage of criticisms against Rahul Gandhi’s leadership style and the party’s internal dynamics. Speaking from New Delhi on Sunday, Ahmad painted a picture of a leader plagued by insecurities and a disconnect from the grassroots.
Rahul Gandhi, according to Ahmad, is a serious and educated individual whose public image has been unfairly tarnished by media and BJP narratives labeling him ‘Pappu’ due to occasional Hindi slip-ups. ‘He thinks in English and speaks in Hindi, leading to minor errors like saying flour costs 20 rupees per liter,’ Ahmad explained, contrasting this with Sonia Gandhi’s diligent efforts to master Hindi despite her Italian roots.
However, Ahmad didn’t hold back on harsher assessments. He described Rahul as arrogant, surrounding himself only with yes-men who have never won major elections, sidelining experienced leaders. ‘Rahul feels insecure around seniors who won multiple elections before him,’ he revealed, pointing to instances where veteran voices were ignored.
The party’s repeated electoral failures stem from Rahul’s inability to build his own Congress, unlike Sonia who unified factions, Ahmad lamented. He recounted advising Rahul privately against mistakes, only to face repercussions, suggesting his ouster was a price for speaking truth.
On Priyanka Gandhi, Ahmad praised her natural connect with the public and innate sense of Indian ethos, superior to others in the family. Yet, he questioned internal family dynamics, noting Rahul’s dominance might hinder her rise despite her appeal.
Ahmad also dissected Congress’s Bihar debacle, blaming ticket distribution to turncoats from BJP-RSS and opportunistic caste appeals. He criticized the hypocrisy in Rahul’s team, dominated by upper-caste leaders despite rhetoric for backwards and Dalits.
Muslim outreach remains strategic, banking on anti-Modi sentiment to secure second position nationally. Ahmad urged Rahul to embrace experienced leaders like Shashi Tharoor, P Chidambaram, and Sachin Pilot, warning against marginalizing charisma and ground-level connect.
As Congress grapples with zero seats in Delhi and poor Bihar showings, Ahmad’s revelations underscore deep-seated issues threatening the party’s revival. The path forward demands introspection, inclusivity, and authentic leadership.
