Narendra Modi has secured a third consecutive term as Prime Minister of India, reaffirming his dominance on the political stage. However, as Modi basks in the glory of his electoral triumph, Rahul Gandhi’s aspirations of occupying the coveted Prime Minister’s chair have been dealt a severe blow for the third consecutive time.
Several factors contributed to the scenario that Rahul Gandhi, the scion of the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty, dream of becoming Prime Minister remains increasingly elusive, ranging from the consolidation of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) under Modi’s leadership to the persistent challenges within the Indian National Congress (INC).
BJP won 240 seats out of 543 Lok Sabha seats, which was a slip down of 63 seats from Lok Sabha 2019. However, as part of the NDA they crossed the majority mark of 272 seats to stake claim to form the government by securing 292 seats. Congress on the other hand won 99 seats, a gain of 47 seats from 2019. However, as part of the INDI Alliance, it secured 234 seats and will continue to play the role of the opposition for the third term.
Narendra Modi’s appeal transcends mere party loyalty. His tenure has been characterized by strong, charismatic leadership that resonates with a broad section of the Indian electorate. Modi’s ability to connect with the masses, his decisive governance style, and his adept use of media have established a personal brand that dwarfs his political rivals. The successful execution of various flagship schemes like Swachh Bharat, Digital India, and Make in India has further solidified his image as a leader committed to national development.
The Indian National Congress, once the dominant force in Indian politics, has struggled to reinvent itself in the Modi era. Internal factionalism, lack of a coherent vision, and an over-reliance on the Gandhi family have impeded its revival. Rahul Gandhi’s leadership has often been questioned, both within the party and outside, for its perceived inconsistency and lack of strategic direction. Despite occasional flashes of effective opposition, the Congress has failed to present a united and compelling alternative to the BJP. In 2024, INDI Alliance performance fell short of the majority mark to form the government but more importantly, Congress – a fulcrum around which the INDI Alliance came together managed only 99 seats when compared to BJPs 240 and it was the biggest performer of all 25 political parties who are part of the INDI Alliance.
Rahul Gandhi’s leadership style contrasts sharply with that of Modi. While Modi is seen as decisive and action-oriented, Gandhi’s approach has often been viewed as lackluster and sporadic. Public perception plays a crucial role in politics, and Gandhi’s image has suffered from a portrayal of being a reluctant politician, out of touch with grassroots realities. His frequent international sojourns especially to Thailand, his closeness to the International Liaison Department of the China Communist Party, his alleged connection with economic terrorist George Soros, and perceived disinterest during critical political junctures have further dented his credibility as a viable prime ministerial candidate.
Congress with Rahul Gandhi at the helm of affairs has witnessed significant losses in state elections and general elections alike, struggling to retain its traditional strongholds. Moreover, regional parties have gained prominence, fragmenting the anti-BJP vote bank. Leaders like Mamata Banerjee, Akhilesh Yadav, and Arvind Kejriwal, command substantial influence in their respective states, complicating any potential coalition dynamics that could favor the Congress.
Rahul Gandhi’s public perception remained a significant hurdle in his quest for the Prime Minister’s chair. Despite efforts to reshape his image, Gandhi struggled to shake off the perception of being an inexperienced leader, with surveys conducted during the 2024 elections indicating that only about 34% of respondents viewed him favorably, compared to Modi’s 60%.
Modi’s third term comes on the back of a narrative centered on development and governance. His administration has capitalized on infrastructure projects, economic reforms, and welfare schemes aimed at uplifting the marginalized sections of society. The focus on tangible outcomes, such as electrification, rural development, and financial inclusion, has reinforced the BJP’s commitment to progress, creating a positive feedback loop with voters.
Rahul Gandhi’s path to the Prime Minister’s chair remains fraught with obstacles. The towering presence of Narendra Modi, the organizational prowess of the BJP, the internal weaknesses of the Congress, and the changing dynamics of Indian politics collectively render Gandhi’s aspirations challenging. For Rahul Gandhi to transform his distant dream into a tangible reality, a fundamental rethinking of strategy, leadership style, and party dynamics is imperative. Without such a transformation, the Modi juggernaut seems poised to continue its dominance in the Indian political arena.
