Priyanka Gandhi, aandhi and Indira Gandhi
"Priyanka Gandhi aandhi hai, doosri Indira Gandhi hai". The pertinent question is - who wants Indira Gandhi back? Clearly, not the generation which faced Emergency, and certainly not our generation which believes karm is more important than any surnames. However, from the moment Priyanka got the key role, she has generated a whole bunch of feelings - her brother found the support he needs, Modi has been woken up, and Congress workers are as elated as media. Before General Elections, India doesn't need Indira but aandhi. And, aandhi Priyanka indeed is.
For 'bhaiya' Rahul Gandhi
For obvious reasons, Rahul Gandhi's life, mannerisms and persona are scanned much more than his elder little sister, Priyanka. And, one thing even the hardcore Congress supporters can't deny is that he needs support, he seeks constant validation and that he can't blossom on his own. Daadi's Raja beta, who is busy campaigning, can always use unconditional support. And, Priyanka exemplifies sibling support.
For Congress cadres
Be it her resemblance to Indira Gandhi, her rather articulate personality (her brother has set the bar really low for her) or her uninhibited ways, she should have been Congress' Plan A. All this while, the question for Congress cadres was not why, but when. So, her elevation into active politics, would galvanize the cadres, at the very least. Now that bua bhatija are a family, the grassroot level workers needed rejuvenation. The other Gandhi can promise them some.
For Robert Vadra
Media's obsession with the first family (?) is at such a peak that one Shobhaa De realized that Priyanka's husband Robert Vadra's post congratulating P didn't have any hearts, just a smiley and thumbs-up emoticon. Let Dee's article sink in first. If Vadra's opinions count in the family, he must not have supported this decision. It is a huge responsibility, and puts him on scanner even more (which just equates to more raids and no action though). Mr. Vadra must have asked, "Are you serious?"
For the durbaari media
For the media, it is a dream come true. They have found a new Gandhi whom they can fawn over. They can now "move the discourse" from his cute dimples to her cotton sarees. Since yesterday, they have told us how it requires courage to take on Modi's turf, how she is the brahmastra, how she is the Indira India wants, how we can know her as a person by watching Ms. Dutt's interview. The durbaari media will keep admiring her for the next four months.
For BJP and Modi
If PM Modi had worked in right earnest, if there were indeed ache din for all of us, if they could have fulfilled the expectations they had promised, this elevation of hers just 4 months before the General Elections would have meant nothing for BJP. They would not have been hell bent on calling her Priyanka Vadra. Deep inside, they know the surname Gandhi she carries can garner sympathy, and mobilize more voters. This is yet another wake up call for Modi Shah duo.
For an average Indian
From an average Indian's vantage point, Congress once again did what they are best at - nepotism! And, we are sick of nepotism everywhere - in businesses, Bollywood and politics. All our lives, we have been told that if we are reasonably smart and work reasonably hard, we will excel; that we are our own competition. We want to believe in this simple mantra, but then they strike the hammer of nepotism.
What would have been the ideal reactions, though?
A dreamy Indian would have wanted this: - Congress cadres fighting for democracy, and not settling for family - BJP speaking about their achievements, and not if she is Gandhi or Vadra - Media asking hard-hitting questions from the new Congress General Secretary for UP. But, who is asking these questions? Everyone is lost in aandhi, Gandhi and some more Gandhi.
