Cheer up, Rahul ji! Why I think resigning should not be an option for Rahul Gandhi
Breakups hurt. So do election losses. Some of us are strong enough to deal with it. Others crack under the pressure and give up. Which one are you, Rahul Gandhi?
I don’t know if you have noticed, but Rahul Gandhi is apparently very angry — and, ok, why shouldn’t he be? His party has cut a pretty pathetic figure in the 2019 Lok Sabha Elections and lost seats by a landslide. Smriti ‘the Giant Killer’ Irani took away Amethi from him, much like Lynna Mormont killing the giant in Game of Thrones.
If there ever was a bad time to be Rahul Gandhi (heaven knows there have been a few such times), this would be one of them.
Why else would Rahul Gandhi cry foul over Ashok Gehlot, Kamal Nath and P Chidambaram putting their sons before the party — despite the fact that his own mother has done the same? But, Rahul ji, pause the hurt feelings for a sec — don't you think, had your mother prioritised the general well-being of her party instead of making you top gun straight away, the Congress might not be in such a bad shape?
And why are you so hurt over your party members not taking forward the whole ‘Chowkidar Chor Hai’ narrative? Why do you want them to spew the same claptrap that you do? Why do you want them to be your mouthpiece? If that’s the case, then there’s no difference between you and your nemesis, Narendra Modi, whom you allege has made his politics all about himself!
Oh, and have you forgotten about the fact that SC took issue with the ‘Chowkidar Chor Hai’ slogan and then you had to apologize for it? Why would your party members, in that case, take that narrative forward?! Have you ever considered the possibility that each party member in Congress is unique and has his/her own thought process?
And, Rahul ji, why were you offended by Jyotiraditya Scindia arguing that Congress needs to groom strong local leaders? If anything, he is giving you a much-needed reality check. Do you really want to be surrounded by yes-men all your life? You have done it before — see where it got you. How about taking constructive criticism in your stride?
On top of that, you got really emotional during the CWC meet and wanted to quit as the party chief.
That was when I was reminded of a college friend of mine, who became a heartbroken Romeo, after a horrible breakup. He wanted to give up on life and romance in entirety. He just couldn’t see beyond the major letdown that his significant other had given him.
Don’t get me wrong here — there is nothing wrong with showing your emotions. All of us need a catharsis. But it is important not to dwell on your failures for too long — it's crucial to pick yourself up, and be ready for the challenges life throws your way.
Rahul, you have faced defeat for now, but that doesn’t mean you should give up, or be so utterly angry at your party members. It is okay to feel dejected, but giving up isn’t an option. At least, not for the rest of us. So, be like your people and stay with it.
Also, if you resign, who will be the target of India’s funny Whatsapp forwards? Who will we lovingly kid around about? We don’t really want to lose you — and we hope you know that.
Stay there, hang in tight. I promise you — it gets better.