The Kisan Rally against NDA government’s Land Bill was being pitched as Rahul Gandhi’s re-launch platform. Here are seven things you probably did not notice about the rally.
1. Rahul Spoke Extempore
Rahul seems to have worked on his speech delivery. He spoke extempore with confidence and an effective message. He attacked the BJP leaders for ‘double standards’ on backing a pro-farmer land bill earlier and now seeking the very same bill’s dilution. The only point where the crowd seemed a bit lost was when Rahul brought up Australia.
2. Not Just Kisans
There is no doubt that the turnout at Ramlila Maidan for Rahul Gandhi’s first public show of strength was huge. However, the numbers didn’t just represent the farmers agitating against NDA government’s land bill but also members of Congress’ student wing NSUI and party supporters from Delhi’s suburbs.
3. Hooda’s Supporters Outnumber the Rest
The number of supporters wearing the pink turban were far more than any other group at Ramlila Maidan. The color pink was worn by former Haryana CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda and his son Deepinder Hooda’s supporters, mostly from their bastion - Rohtak. The fact that Rotak is barely a couple of hours away also helped.
4. Supporters Leave Before Rahul and Sonia Speak
The Congress High Command will probably be unhappy with the sight of empty chairs and supporters on their way out even before Congress President Sonia Gandhi started speaking. Supporters of regional leaders were quick to make an exit from Ramlila maidan as soon as their respective leaders were done speaking on the stage even before Rahul and Sonia Gandhi began their speeches.
5. Regional Politics Trump National Priorities?
Supporters from Hooda’s camp were seen hooting Congress’ Haryana state president Ashok Tanwar. Major embarrassment for a party that desperately needs to a show of strength and unity.
6. An Awkward Playlist
The organisers of Kisan Rally were either playing a prank or completely oblivious to the songs they were playing to pump up the crowd before the Congess big shots arrived. Sample this:
- Nanha munna raahi hoon
- Dil le gayi kudi Gujarat di
- Mera piya ghar aaya
7. Priyanka Was Not There
Remember the Congress party workers who put up ‘Priyanka Lao, Congress bachao” posters a few months ago? Seems like they are in for a disappointment. Priyanka Gandhi was conspicuous by her absence. Could this be a message to silence any voices of dissent against Rahul Gandhi that suggested his sister should take charge?
With Priyanka Gandhi skipping the Kisan Rally, all talk of drafting her in can be laid to rest, at least for now.
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