Rahul Gandhi's speech to India Inc : Confused or Visionary ?
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I haven't seen Modi's speech, but for sure RG is a shitty orator. He comes across as earnest and sincere, but not as someone who "inspires" his audience.
A great leader/orator does not try to persuade his audience, he mesmerizes them into suspending their own judgement and following him blindly where he wants to lead them.
Ankit Purohit
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Rahooool Gadhee Fail Total Fail
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Rahul Gandhi is making the biggest mistake in thinking that political mobilisation and outreach can happen independently of your record in government. That somehow you can be a big national leader without taking a clear public stand on the major issues of the country.
I think lots of people are disappointed that in view of the political momentum that he had, he has not leveraged that political momentum to add to his credibility by taking a stand on the big issues of the day.
The second mistake is no less important. Look, politics is not all about just sentiment. 'Hi, trust me, I am a good guy.' It doesn't work like that '
There is a boring consistency in his speeches. That's the Bharat versus India theme. There is nothing wrong in talking about an inclusive society. But there is nothing aspirational about it. That came about very clearly in the Bihar elections.
I think lots of people are disappointed that in view of the political momentum that he had, he has not leveraged that political momentum to add to his credibility by taking a stand on the big issues of the day.
The second mistake is no less important. Look, politics is not all about just sentiment. 'Hi, trust me, I am a good guy.' It doesn't work like that '
There is a boring consistency in his speeches. That's the Bharat versus India theme. There is nothing wrong in talking about an inclusive society. But there is nothing aspirational about it. That came about very clearly in the Bihar elections.
Bangalorean
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I don't know what this chap wants to prove. Even a normal average fellow like me with no experience in politics can provide "answers" to those questions that are asked without speaking irrelevant nonsense. Look at this for example:
If one were to ask a question on water usage, it is so simple to say something general like, "water is certainly a serious matter which we have high on our agenda. We are following a multi-pronged approach, increasing education at the grassroots level about rain-water harvesting and replenishment of the water table, including enacting legislation to that effect wherever possible and practical. We also have a plan to rejuvenate several thousand lakes which have dried up or become denuded. The details are being worked out. These efforts will bear fruit in a few years' time".
Basically, this statement says nothing but gives an impression as if a very heavy and intellectual mind is behind that statement. If one has even basic general knowledge and takes even a little interest in stuff around him, it easy to spew such things. Then people will laud him for having a "clear vision" and "actual solution to problems". As it is a section of media and public worship him, is it soooo tough for him to talk some basic sense, and talk in tangible and clear terms instead of misty-eyed drivel? God help us.
This is why people call him muddle-headed, confused, agenda-less, and keep making fun of him.
If one were to ask a question on water usage, it is so simple to say something general like, "water is certainly a serious matter which we have high on our agenda. We are following a multi-pronged approach, increasing education at the grassroots level about rain-water harvesting and replenishment of the water table, including enacting legislation to that effect wherever possible and practical. We also have a plan to rejuvenate several thousand lakes which have dried up or become denuded. The details are being worked out. These efforts will bear fruit in a few years' time".
Basically, this statement says nothing but gives an impression as if a very heavy and intellectual mind is behind that statement. If one has even basic general knowledge and takes even a little interest in stuff around him, it easy to spew such things. Then people will laud him for having a "clear vision" and "actual solution to problems". As it is a section of media and public worship him, is it soooo tough for him to talk some basic sense, and talk in tangible and clear terms instead of misty-eyed drivel? God help us.
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thakur_ritesh
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Re: Rahul Gandhi CII --meet
Rahul Gandhi is being projected as the leader of the have nots, the downtrodden, the mass. His speech was exactly that, that is precisely how they have tried to position him over the past couple of years. If you follow the Congress' and Congress backed media's argument in favor of Rahul, this is exactly what they say, India resides in the villages, in the slums, and most are the struggling class, the poor, the lower middle class, so they are targeting them as a vote bank.
In contrast, and if you follow closely, the argument of this group is exactly the opposite when they talk about Modi, that the growth model in Gujarat is exclusive, which leaves out more, and is largely about the business community, and the have nots get sidelined who have no scope to compete in a highly competitive environment, and Rahul is being presented as the one who is filling up this void.
It is a classic socialist v/s capitalist argument, on one side Rahul, on the other Modi, and the way Indian psyche is tuned, lets not be surprised if a large number of Indians would have given a thumbs up to Rahul Gandhi last evening.
If we go back a decade, the BJP missed the trick with the India Shining campaign, they need to be sure if they are positioning themselves correctly because the urban middle class India will not really decide the future of India, but the have nots,the downtrodden will.
About, how would the industry have taken it, most would have left the room with a headache after listening to a socialist discourse.
Here is how the game is being played.
Rahul Gandhi is being projected as the leader of the have nots, the downtrodden, the mass. His speech was exactly that, that is precisely how they have tried to position him over the past couple of years. If you follow the Congress' and Congress backed media's argument in favor of Rahul, this is exactly what they say, India resides in the villages, in the slums, and most are the struggling class, the poor, the lower middle class, so they are targeting them as a vote bank.
In contrast, and if you follow closely, the argument of this group is exactly the opposite when they talk about Modi, that the growth model in Gujarat is exclusive, which leaves out more, and is largely about the business community, and the have nots get sidelined who have no scope to compete in a highly competitive environment, and Rahul is being presented as the one who is filling up this void.
It is a classic socialist v/s capitalist argument, on one side Rahul, on the other Modi, and the way Indian psyche is tuned, lets not be surprised if a large number of Indians would have given a thumbs up to Rahul Gandhi last evening.
If we go back a decade, the BJP missed the trick with the India Shining campaign, they need to be sure if they are positioning themselves correctly because the urban middle class India will not really decide the future of India, but the have nots,the downtrodden will.
About, how would the industry have taken it, most would have left the room with a headache after listening to a socialist discourse.
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Re: Rahul Gandhi CII --meet
And Smiti Irani and Meenakshi Lekhi were arguing for online support. But BJP had tremendous online support in 2004 and 2009 too.
It is entirely possible that social media consumers, english media consumers, middle class, urban class might boot out Congress and vote for BJP but what about the villages ?
Maybe Congress has a trick up their sleeve ?
Excellent Point.
And Smiti Irani and Meenakshi Lekhi were arguing for online support. But BJP had tremendous online support in 2004 and 2009 too.
It is entirely possible that social media consumers, english media consumers, middle class, urban class might boot out Congress and vote for BJP but what about the villages ?
Maybe Congress has a trick up their sleeve ?
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thakur_ritesh
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Re: Rahul Gandhi CII --meet
The other mistake the BJP seems to be making is, like always, they have started to bank on the Hinditva card.
Congress might be down, but they still do seem to hold a couple of aces, the biggest one of course being the coffers of the country. The only chap who can spoil the party for them is Mulayum, who after all the gimmickry now does seem to be getting a deal of his liking, so even he might not be keen on derailing the government. Even the DMK walked out to only join back post the general elections, so I assume.
Congress with the Gandhi name to hang on to, the socialist policies, and secular politics is never really out!
I think Pakistan will be a test of sorts. If IK gets beaten up black and blue in the elections, then there is a lesson there, the urban vocal middle class is of not much consequence in our part of the world, we are not the US, and this when it is assumed that Pakistan is more urbanized at 38% than India's 32%, also we haven't had the IK moment with Modi yet. If we look at the BJP support base, and more so for Modi, it does seem the support comes more from such a back ground.
The other mistake the BJP seems to be making is, like always, they have started to bank on the Hinditva card.
Congress might be down, but they still do seem to hold a couple of aces, the biggest one of course being the coffers of the country. The only chap who can spoil the party for them is Mulayum, who after all the gimmickry now does seem to be getting a deal of his liking, so even he might not be keen on derailing the government. Even the DMK walked out to only join back post the general elections, so I assume.
Congress with the Gandhi name to hang on to, the socialist policies, and secular politics is never really out!
Re: Rahul Gandhi CII --meet
He is the only leader who will have a panIndian reach, because of birth (it kills me to admit this)! No wonder he mentioned his DNA.
I know posters here have been overwhelmingly jeering him. I am also joining them, no doubt.
But having closely observed how Indian electorate behaves over several general elections, I am still not ready to write him off.
Perhaps the only sensible thing that loudmouth Katju has said in recent times is that Indian voters are like cows and sheep... a crude allusion to the heard mentality. As far as I know the heard behaviour is the strongest when individuals are confused most. As individuals they could remain confused even after voting but the vote would have been cast in unison. 2014 is going to be utterly confusing for the electorate with Modi buying a ticket to Delhi.
There is this funny aside.... why is it that most of the IPL teams have names associated with royalty? Chennai Super Kings, Bangalore Royal Challengers, Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan Royals, Kings XI Punjab, Pune Warriors! Only Delhi and Hyderabad have more neutral names. It would seem superficial at first glance, but it does throw light on a very potent aspect of the Indian psyche. That high birth still influences the common people... we could fool us saying we are a democracy, we are a republic, we have had Dalits for president and Chief Justice. But in some corner of his heart, the average Indian tends to lean towards a high born if he has a say in who will rule over him. This undercurrent will work in Rahul Gandhi's favour with the rural voters.
I feel Modi, however good he is in offering clear cut solutions to the country's problems and establishing an instant connection the urban middle class and youth, will find it difficult to establish a rapport with the average Indian voter outside Gujarat. Especially in the dusty plains of Hindi heartland and definitely the South Indian states. Modi might find resonance in cities like Bangalore, Hyderabad and of course Mumbai and Pune. Beyond that he might be up against impassive hearts. Remember, its hearts that go to vote, not minds. Because, the crowds hardly listen to the exact words spoken by a leader in a massive public rally. Precise expressions, incisive analysis, proactive solutions etc matter in board rooms or meetings like the one hosted by captains of industry. For the average crowds squatting on a dusty maidan, its is the effect of the words they can relate to that would matter. Those words are exactly what Rahul Gandhi (honestly or disingenuously) bandied about at the meeting.. compassion, involving people, listening to people etc etc... it all sounds like a pointless babble but they will find a resonance in a public meeting more than an attack on the culture of corruption. Or dynastic rule... hey people love it!
So I would wait for more public appearances from Rahul Gandhi before forming an opinion about the Congress strategy.
Ideally Rahul Gandhi should not be foisted on the Indian people. But as a realist, sadly though, I will not rule him out as PM at least at this stage in Indian nation's history. Why?
He is the only leader who will have a panIndian reach, because of birth (it kills me to admit this)! No wonder he mentioned his DNA.
I know posters here have been overwhelmingly jeering him. I am also joining them, no doubt.
But having closely observed how Indian electorate behaves over several general elections, I am still not ready to write him off.
Perhaps the only sensible thing that loudmouth Katju has said in recent times is that Indian voters are like cows and sheep... a crude allusion to the heard mentality. As far as I know the heard behaviour is the strongest when individuals are confused most. As individuals they could remain confused even after voting but the vote would have been cast in unison. 2014 is going to be utterly confusing for the electorate with Modi buying a ticket to Delhi.
There is this funny aside.... why is it that most of the IPL teams have names associated with royalty? Chennai Super Kings, Bangalore Royal Challengers, Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan Royals, Kings XI Punjab, Pune Warriors! Only Delhi and Hyderabad have more neutral names. It would seem superficial at first glance, but it does throw light on a very potent aspect of the Indian psyche. That high birth still influences the common people... we could fool us saying we are a democracy, we are a republic, we have had Dalits for president and Chief Justice. But in some corner of his heart, the average Indian tends to lean towards a high born if he has a say in who will rule over him. This undercurrent will work in Rahul Gandhi's favour with the rural voters.
I feel Modi, however good he is in offering clear cut solutions to the country's problems and establishing an instant connection the urban middle class and youth, will find it difficult to establish a rapport with the average Indian voter outside Gujarat. Especially in the dusty plains of Hindi heartland and definitely the South Indian states. Modi might find resonance in cities like Bangalore, Hyderabad and of course Mumbai and Pune. Beyond that he might be up against impassive hearts. Remember, its hearts that go to vote, not minds. Because, the crowds hardly listen to the exact words spoken by a leader in a massive public rally. Precise expressions, incisive analysis, proactive solutions etc matter in board rooms or meetings like the one hosted by captains of industry. For the average crowds squatting on a dusty maidan, its is the effect of the words they can relate to that would matter. Those words are exactly what Rahul Gandhi (honestly or disingenuously) bandied about at the meeting.. compassion, involving people, listening to people etc etc... it all sounds like a pointless babble but they will find a resonance in a public meeting more than an attack on the culture of corruption. Or dynastic rule... hey people love it!
So I would wait for more public appearances from Rahul Gandhi before forming an opinion about the Congress strategy.
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