Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav. Political dynasts, both in their 40s, both staking a claim to the youth vote, both faced with an immovable old guard. Yet while one has emerged as the hero of the hour, commanding near-hysterical loyalty from his party cadres, the other gets only ritual obeisance. Cry ecstatic Samajwadi Party workers about Akhilesh: “Loha tap kundan bhaya,” he who has emerged as a jewel after being tested by fire. Such full-throated loyalty from party ranks still eludes Rahul.
In 2012 Akhilesh accepted the responsibility thrust on him to become UP’s youngest CM. Rahul has spent over a decade in politics avoiding substantive responsibilities. Read More
