BJP’s politics on young shoulders, Congress dominated by nepotism and seniority

Ajay Kumar, Lucknow

Whenever Rahul Gandhi speaks on public platforms, he gives the impression that becoming the next Prime Minister is now just a formality. But politics does not run on emotions; it runs on data and results. The three general elections of 2014, 2019, and 2024 have passed, and in all three, the public did not endorse Rahul Gandhi’s leadership. Yet, he continues to move forward with the same confidence. Politics has no fixed retirement age, but in a democracy, if the public repeatedly rejects a leader, that itself is a significant signal. Rahul Gandhi is now 55 years old. If he were in a government or non-government institution, preparations for retirement would begin in the next five years. He may not retire from politics, but the challenges he faces can no longer be ignored.

Questions have long been raised about Rahul Gandhi’s temperament and political style. Negative politics has become a permanent part of his speeches. Whether it’s “Chowkidar Chor Hai” (the watchman is a thief), “Vote Chor” (vote thief), or “Gaddi Chhodo” (leave the throne), every election comes with a new slogan but the result remains the same. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government always appear “thieves” in his perspective. The problem is not that he raises questions; the problem is that the public does not see solutions in his questions. Rahul Gandhi still fails to maintain the distinction between performing the opposition’s role and offering alternative leadership.

In recent months, voices from within the Congress have signaled new threats to Rahul Gandhi’s politics. The letter from former Odisha MLA Mohammad Moquim was not a minor incident. He questioned party president Mallikarjun Kharge’s age, saying Congress is increasingly disconnected from the youth and needs leadership change. In the same letter, he subtly indicated that Rahul Gandhi fails to connect with party workers and young people. Instead of introspecting, Congress expelled Moquim. This is the same old Congress that shows the door to those who hold up a mirror. Within the India Alliance too, discomfort over Rahul Gandhi’s leadership has now started becoming visible. Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah publicly dismissed the “vote theft” allegations. Mamata Banerjee spoke about leadership change after the Lok Sabha elections. Leaders like Sharad Pawar, Akhilesh Yadav, and Lalu Yadav have privately indicated the same that Congress must move beyond self-centered politics. The question is clear: if his own allies cannot trust Rahul Gandhi, how can the nation?

Rahul Gandhi tries to present himself as a youth leader. He talks about Gen Z, advocates movements, and addresses young people on social media. But by 2029, when the next general election occurs, Rahul Gandhi will be 59 years old. Gen Z refers to those currently aged between 13 and 28. Assuming that a leader nearing 60 can lead the mindset of teenagers and young adults is to ignore political reality. The youth want more than speeches they want opportunities, leadership, and a clear vision for the future, which Congress has consistently failed to provide. In contrast, the Bharatiya Janata Party has clearly started shifting toward young leadership. The appointment of Bihar minister and five-time MLA Nitin Nabin as the National Executive President in December 2025 is not just a designation; it is a political message. BJP has made it clear that the politics of the future will be fought on young shoulders. From the organization to the government, responsibilities are being entrusted to leaders in the 50–55 age group. Leaders like Yogi Adityanath, Devendra Fadnavis, Pushkar Singh Dhami, and Mohan Yadav show that BJP is preparing for a long political innings.

Congress, on the other hand, is in the opposite state. Leaders like Sachin Pilot have been waiting for years. In Karnataka, D.K. Shivakumar still dreams of becoming Chief Minister. Despite popularity, Shashi Tharoor has been sidelined. Leaders like Kanhaiya Kumar have been more neglected than utilized. The result: young faces like Jyotiraditya Scindia, Jitin Prasada, and Jaiveer Shergil have left Congress for BJP. Congress remains entangled in the walls of seniority and nepotism. Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi may be called youthful faces, but the final decisions in the party still revolve around Sonia Gandhi. Be it the Karnataka crisis or organizational reshuffles, the last word rests with her. This is the condition of a party that claims to be the guardian of democracy.

Internal turmoil has become Congress’s biggest weakness. Confrontation with the Aam Aadmi Party in Haryana and Delhi, national rallies without involving allies, ignoring alliance principles all of these raise questions about Rahul Gandhi’s political acumen. If the steps of a leader claiming to unite the opposition create division instead, the danger is natural. The greatest threat is not age, but failure to align with time. While BJP is promoting young leaders, Congress is turning into an army of elders. No matter how much Rahul Gandhi tries to appear young, in five years he will also be in the same queue that Moquim hinted at in his letter. Indian politics now demands direction, not patience. People want not dreams, but a roadmap. Rahul Gandhi remains caught between struggle and grievance. If this pace continues, in the coming years, his greatest challenge will not be the opposition, but time itself.

(The writer is a senior journalist from Lucknow and can be reached at Mob: 9335566111)