Congress President Rahul Gandhi threaded a very diplomatic path while choosing the Chief Ministers for Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. As easy the choice may seem from outside, a lot of thinking has gone in trying to blend the young guard with veteran faces. When a big challenge was overcome, a bigger one awaited. Congress could not afford a revolt from the old guard at this stage, with politics headed for a major test in Lok Sabha polls coming up next. Under these circumstances, it seems natural that Congress chooses to take the middle path by appointing a senior to the post of CM and a younger leader as his deputy.
As much as one would want young leaders to be given the charge of two electorally influential states, it is important to remember that experience often makes an able administrator. Jyotiraditya Scindia and Sachin Pilot have proved their mettle in national politics by serving in various ministries but were short of experience in state politics. However, the fact that they were the architects for Congress’ victory vouches for their potential.
Ashok Gehlot has served as the CM of Rajasthan twice already. He is known for his simple life and contact with the masses, often called the ‘Rajasthan’s Gandhi’. Interestingly, the intense lobbying for the top post made it even difficult for the party high command to make a choice. If the veterans had
stamped their authority, the new faces had worked overtime for a turnaround. The pulls and pressures from outside too were evident. There were campaigns run on social media, and there were anxious supporters making a pitch for their heroes.
Both Gehlot and Nath command substantial influence over their MLAs. Not making them CMs would have meant upsetting staunch loyalists. By giving them the top post and still keeping the new faces in the equation, the Congress has smartly safeguarded itself from a revolt. When there is debate over the party not giving enough opportunities to the new faces, Rahul has struck the right chord to bring the younger generation to the fore. Scindia and Pilot are a good start. By serving as
deputies to experienced CMs, the young leaders will have substantial credibility next time to claim chief ministership of Rajasthan and MP.
Much will depend on how the two generations interact with each other. Nath and Gehlot need to yield to young aspirations and make good on their promises to them. At the same time they need to make sure that Scindia and Pilot aren’t taken for granted and reduced to dummy figures.
Congress has a dream opener in its preparation for the Lok Sabha polls. Six months from now we’ll know how much the Congress was able to capitalise on Rajasthan and MP poll results. Nath and Gehlot must not forget that youth are the future.
