The coronation of Rahul seems to be another attempt to push a reluctant man to centrestage (Just Prince Charming?, Feb 4). Whether choosing a mere ceremonial post for him was a folly or a blessing remains to be seen. Rahul had two great opportunities, Anna Hazare’s anti-corruption movement and the protests against the Delhi gangrape, to make a mark, but unfortunately for him and the Congress, his proposal to give the Lokpal constitutional status sank without a trace while he was missing in action in the second instance. India today is seeking a strong leader, someone who cuts short messy political procedure, without violating human rights or due processes or using extra-constitutio–nal powers like Sanjay Gandhi did. Rahul needs to assert himself more if he’s to be the answer to our prayers.

S.R. Gadicherla, Bangalore

Rahul would win hands down were elections to be held today. Besides the ‘holy’ bloggers who perform ritual puja online, murderer Modi does not have much support.

Imran Ahmed Khan, Bangalore

The unanimous election and coronation of Rahul baba bore all the signs of a long-planned, well-rehearsed and orchestra­ted pantomime. The maudlin ‘inaugural’ speech also plainly seemed to be the tortuous effort of a professional PR firm. The Congress can only be exhibiting a death wish in choosing to be led into oblivion by the Pied Piper of Rae Bareli and Amethi. This way, the bjp will be laughing all the way to the polling booth in 2014.

Ramesh Ramachandra, Bangalore

Just look at the whole pan­theon of Congress leaders in the lead photograph fawning over the prince, especially home minister Sushilkumar Shinde who is a total disgrace to this country and himself.

Prakash Joseph, Oakville, Canada

“Seeking balance in his life and avoiding power seems to be the result of the inner journey and contemplations of Rahul Gandhi.” What a rigmarolish way to avoid saying he is incompetent and cannot handle responsibility.

Jainendra, Patna

Does the writer of this piece have a PhD in absurdity?

Pradip Singh, Stafford

In light of all the scepticism around Rahul, I would like to quote Napoleon Bonaparte: “A leader is a dealer in hope.” And that’s exactly what the speech of the Nehru-Gandhi scion held out.

Beena Mathur, Pune

One question. Pray, why is Rahul wearing a saffron pagdi and patta around his neck? Saffron rules, is it?

Ashok Kumar Ghai, Mumbai

Rahul is a big cause of concern for the Congress; they don’t know what to do with him. Hence a chintan shivir.

Lata Mehta, Madrid

Rahul Gandhi is no match for Narendra Modi, either in manner, or in political wiliness. The Congress should think of projecting someone like P. Chidambaram to take on the Gujarat strongman.

K.P. Rajan, Mumbai

It’s just a matter of time before servile Congressmen order the issue of a postage stamp for Sonia and her children.

G. Anuplal, Bangalore

The question you pose on your cover, ‘Is He for Real?’, should be put to the Mani Shankar Aiyars and Digvijay Singhs of the Congress durbar. One (Aiyar) sees in the coronation of Rahul “a resurrection of Rajiv”, which politically is bad news, while others want us to believe that Rahul is the mes­siah India’s been awaiting. Step up the drumbeats, Outlook.

Satyanarayana, Hyderabad

At last someone is asking some hard questions. 

http://blogs.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/TheSiegeWithin/entry/is-rahul-able-and-capable

"The voter’s question about Rahul Gandhi is uncomplicated: what precisely has he achieved to justify a claim to become Prime Minister? Genetic entitlement is passé. Rahul is 42 but has never held a job in either the private sector or public life. A fitful presence in Parliament, interspersed with long holidays abroad, does not constitute a job. Rahul could have become a minister at any time in the last eight years, and proved he was competent"

M J Akbar has nailed it.

 Imran Ahmed Khan >> Rahul should win hands down if the elections are held now

The dynasty of Rahul has ruled India for 50 (out of 65) years and yet the 150 million plus Muslims of india are rotting on most parameters. And yes, a tiny minority of this 150 million people are doing very well and making good fortune. And it is understandable that any election held with only this tiny minority elite among the religious minority will overwhelmingly vote for the dynasty that has kept them rich and well fed (at the expense of the majority of the muslims of india)

Rahul should win hands down if the elections are held now. Besides the 'Holy' bloggers performing their religious services from abroad, murderer Modi does not enjoy popular support.

Pay careful attention to the photo of congress leaders doing their best to kiss ass.... especially our home minister who is a total disgrace to the country and to himself.

But why Rahul is shown wearing Saffron Turban with small grey lines on the page of OutLook and is wearing orange Hindu welcome Phatas around his neck ? Seems Saffron is all pervading .

After making some noise on 20th January 2013,at jaipur, this Vice President 'parrot' has gone silent ,once again.Has he forgotten that his mother has anointed him for performing National 'Duty'? It appears that he wakes up once in six months.

 Outlook spent the year 2012 publishing anti Modi articles in every issue. That might not have given good returns to people who fund these articles and keep Outlook online edition free and without ads.

So now it will pro Rahul articles for the year 2013 in every issue. I think this might be more effective strategy to build goodwill towards Rahul and enhance the winnability of Congress rather than spewing venom on Modi. 

"•Brain behind key social initiatives, but defeats in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat imply he is a tried and failed commodity". I prefer to go with this comment in addition he is an example of a "NINCOMPOOP"
 

The public at large is now primarily keen on a corruption-free and citizen's friendly governance with marginal inflation affecting their daily life. And unfortunately, the Congress party did not fare well on such counts in its preceding nine years of rule. Rahul Gandhi's now taking over officially as VP of the party is welcome but he needs to be seen in action while rejuvenating his party structure and infusing an vibrant enthusiasm among the workers. His statements promising actions and assurances alone may not impress the voters anymore.   

Just Prince Charming?
"Just" and with question mark.
hmmmm ...... some people are working too hard for Padma awards I guess.

There is a more apt designation; "Clown Prince".
:D

Why people consider the matter as a complicated one. Its as simple as calling sun as sun. Has this man known by the name Rahul Gandhi contributed any thing in terms of Parliamentry debate or participated in media discussion. Has he been instrumental in winning of any election? Congress flatters have created a false aura around him just to consolidate their own position. They are making fool of Gandhis.

 Why certain sections of the soceity like a weak PM candidate? Ponder!

I admire Saba....

 "Seeking balance in his life and avoiding power seems to be the result of the inner journey and contemplations of Rahul Gandhi."  What a way to avoid saying he is incompetant.... he cannot handle resposibility and everytime he opens his mouth he sounds more dumb...

"What questions if any has he asked in the parliament? What bills if any has he initiated? What administrative experience does he have? What ministry if any has he ever headed? Does he have any business experience even? Does he have any special professional or academic credentials? Has he shown any leadership qualities so far?"

Rahul's answers to all these questions ( Deewar style) is "Mere paas mera last Name hai". These questions are irrelevent as he has not shown his real strength yet. He is going to bring the transformation and media and we all are excited to see his hidden strength of make it happen.

Congress needs to find a challanger to Modi fast. Rahul is not that knight in the shining armour. At the ripe old age of 40 he does not even have the basic experience of shouldering resposibilty of a family considering he is still his mama's boy, how can he shoulder resposnsibilty of a billion people? What questions if any has he asked in the parliament? What bills if any has he initiated? What administrative experience does he have? What ministry if any has he ever headed? Does he have  any business experience even? Does he have any special professional or academic credentials? Has he shown any leadership qualities so far? Has he shown any special communication skills? Fact is that he is a disaster in the making if not already a disaster. If Rahul baba applied for a clerk's position in a government office; poor chap would not even qualify for an interview,  much less for the job.  Provided he qualifies the written , that is!! Asking this man to spearhead a government or  even a political party is the height of optimism.  Irrespective of this PR job  and orchestrated media build up he will come a cropper. The big question is ,will he grow enough back bone and muster courage to play with the big boys in 2014 ;or will he continue to "seek balance in his life and avoid power ( responsibility)".

What is the difference between an Ass (R) and a well-BredHorse (M)? This article tries to investigates it. Conclusions ...Both animals have 4 legs, can run, two eyes etc,...

Really, can someone compare an ass with a thorougbred?

 This clan-worshipping part of South Asian culture (although, not unique but definitely stretched to ridiculous limits) is quite amusing.

If politics is his family vocation then he is welcome to try his hand at it but there is no reason to expect magical super powers from him due to his bloodline.

Is it that hard to believe and accept that may be Rahul is nice ordinary Indian who can be a pleasant fellow but not quite capable of steering billion+ unruly masses?

As a matter of fact, I am not sure anyone else can either. That is why I have been an advocate of more federalism and devolution of power to the states. It is simply too big to be tackled by few geniuses; let alone a lonely scion.

 "Seeking balance in his life and avoiding power seems to be the result of inner journey and contemplations of Rahul Gandhi"!!!

Does this  lady Naqvi have PhD in the science of absurdity?

Or, has the uncontrollable urge to prostrate in front  of the mafia cause irreversible damage to her brain?

No miracle is going to take place in the Congress party even after elevation of RG to VP`s post..  It would be very very tough for RG to pave a smooth way for Congress to enhence it`s strength in other states in addition to current one.  May be even difficult to maintain it`s current govts in certain states. The biggest challange will be Narendra Modi. It would be difficult for Congress to face BJP if NM is made a candidate for PM`s post.

P.Gautampurkar,Sawai Madhopur,Rajasthan

Compared to his father, he is a very slow learner.  In fact, the Congress party is desperately trying to convert a social science major into a brain surgeon.

 CONVERSATION BTW Mr RR And Mr RG:

Mr RR: Hello Respected RGji.. Salaam, Namaste... Hope you have seen my valuable magazine's latest edition which still gives you hope.. Understandably we did this with haste since our rivals got a edition that offers no hope to you ..

Mr RG: Yawn.. Let me read.. I am just into my usual vacation into some unknown tourist spot. You see Delhi is too damn cold these days.. Uh to do with Global warming

Mr RR: Yup..And here is the next edition. On how the BJP and RSS policies and the cow worshipping hindus have created Global warming crisis.

Mr RG: Spot on. Your editions are our hopes. We have a tough battle ahead. Of course, we have friendly institutions, bureaucracy etc etc but that is not enough to make me into top post 2014. Situation is pretty grim..

Mr RR: That is why, we make more editions. We will come with even bigger ideas. Like our future edition will tell us on how we should nationalize all hindu temples and give that land to the underprivileged so as to prove CONgress is with Aam Admi..

Mr RG: Excellent.. but hold it on.. we should get those talk close to election. That will help us to polarize votes..

Mr RR: yeah we are timing our editions and your media office always in loop...

Mr RG: Ah, ya meanwhile I am also working out new opportunities aka rewards. Special trade pact with Peaceful Pakistan which means new duty free markets for your products ..

Mr RR: Wow.. just the stuff I am looking for..

Mr RG: Hold on.. it is in early stages, give us enough time..

Mr RR: Okay.

Youth Icon Rahul?? Wonder which youth they mention out here

I will only comment once on this thread-
Abay Hatttt!! Kaha Kaha se aa jate hai bundlebaaz!!

The build up is not commenserate with his no achievements till date,Rahul is reluctant and lacks clarity for whatever he believes in,does he in anything remains a Question.

Saba you cant compare him with Modi,Modi has clarity for what he stands for ,just take Modi disowning complete responsibility for the Riots in 2002.That may sound highly irresponsible but thats what Modi believes in.

When has Rahul ever addressed a press conference and taken direct Questions from the Medi,Not even once in these 9 long years.

Lets give this guy what he deserves , that is just ignore him completely.

“It is cruel to create such ‘Hullabaloo’ over Baba’s First ‘Nursery Rhyme’ before the Audience of Chintan Shivir – let us not assess it from ‘Literary, Poetic, or Musical’ point of view – because it is only listened to & applauded without caring for content-element in it.”

Rahul as youth icon is bit streched too far! perhaps a baba among kids! Modi vs Rahul would be a contest between heavy weight champion vs fly weight trainee......

"Beyond emotion and his surname, does Rahul Gandhi have it in him to work Indian politics and lead his party and the nation?.....Saba Naqvi

Saba knows the answer as well as anyone familiar with Indian politics. Rahul Gandhi will lead his party into oblivion and he will not be handed over leadership of the nation on a platter. After over six decades of Independence, the nation is finally showing signs of waking up from its slumber of several centuries. Henceforth, it will, hopefully, elect only leaders with the vision and the ability to lead over a billion people.

 Rahul's elevation to Vice Presidents Post is a 
welcome move by Congress. Its time to show some
risk taking efforts to bring all secular minded people
to the big umbrella he holds. Shoexit door to people
who have criminal record irrespective of their post.
A clean sweep inside the home is most needed and
if he can which I hope he will in all probability, then
we can see the same opposition in parliliament in 2014

The “unanimous” election and coronation of Rahul Baba has all the tell tale signs of a long planned, well rehearsed and orchestrated pantomime. This is obvious from his new aerobicised physique, especially with the erstwhile chubby face now transformed into well  defined, chiselled features, as seen on the TV screen. This, together with his maudlin “inaugural”  speech(in tandem with heroic finger raising theatrics), reveals the tortured role of a professional PR firm behind his fresh persona. The Congress Party is only revealing its death wish by choosing to be led into oblivion by the Pied Piper of Rai Bareili and Amethi. The BJP will be laughing all the way to the polling booth in 2014.
 

It is not Priyanka,but it is Prema(Jayakumar) who will lead the country someday.

Rahul is a big cause of concern for the Congress party. They don't know what to do with him. Hence the 'Chintan Shivir'.

"Takes on Mayawati by dining in Dalit villages in 2010"

If Saba thinks that this planned photo-op incident as Rahul's strength, he has long way for anyone to take him seriously.

"Rahul has not shown any major strengths yet"

When is he going to show his strengths ? Indians are waiting for it for last 9 years.
 

Rahul has not shown any major strengths yet. If the election were held today, it better be fought on Modi's negatives.

That the media will never support a male over a female leader like Priyanka ( whether in the Congress or outside it ), is beyond doubt. Big mouths like Raman have repeatedly voiced their gender-casteist views in this very magazine.

The very heading, targetting the male gender ( 'prince' charming', and thereby really useless ), would not have been used, for example, against Priyanka ('princess'), by the media.

That the media will never support a male over a female leader like Priyanka ( whether in the Congress or outside it ), is beyond doubt. Big mouths like Raman have repeatedly voiced their gender-casteist views in this very magazine.

The very heading, targetting the male gender ( 'prince' charming', and thereby really useless ), would not have been used, for example, against Priyanka ('princess'), by the media.

Rahul has not shown any major strengths yet. If the election were held today, it better be fought on Modi's negatives.

"Rahul has not shown any major strengths yet"

When is he going to show his strengths ? Indians are waiting for it for last 9 years.
 

"Takes on Mayawati by dining in Dalit villages in 2010"

If Saba thinks that this planned photo-op incident as Rahul's strength, he has long way for anyone to take him seriously.

Rahul is a big cause of concern for the Congress party. They don't know what to do with him. Hence the 'Chintan Shivir'.

It is not Priyanka,but it is Prema(Jayakumar) who will lead the country someday.

The “unanimous” election and coronation of Rahul Baba has all the tell tale signs of a long planned, well rehearsed and orchestrated pantomime. This is obvious from his new aerobicised physique, especially with the erstwhile chubby face now transformed into well  defined, chiselled features, as seen on the TV screen. This, together with his maudlin “inaugural”  speech(in tandem with heroic finger raising theatrics), reveals the tortured role of a professional PR firm behind his fresh persona. The Congress Party is only revealing its death wish by choosing to be led into oblivion by the Pied Piper of Rai Bareili and Amethi. The BJP will be laughing all the way to the polling booth in 2014.
 

 Rahul's elevation to Vice Presidents Post is a 
welcome move by Congress. Its time to show some
risk taking efforts to bring all secular minded people
to the big umbrella he holds. Shoexit door to people
who have criminal record irrespective of their post.
A clean sweep inside the home is most needed and
if he can which I hope he will in all probability, then
we can see the same opposition in parliliament in 2014

"Beyond emotion and his surname, does Rahul Gandhi have it in him to work Indian politics and lead his party and the nation?.....Saba Naqvi

Saba knows the answer as well as anyone familiar with Indian politics. Rahul Gandhi will lead his party into oblivion and he will not be handed over leadership of the nation on a platter. After over six decades of Independence, the nation is finally showing signs of waking up from its slumber of several centuries. Henceforth, it will, hopefully, elect only leaders with the vision and the ability to lead over a billion people.

Rahul as youth icon is bit streched too far! perhaps a baba among kids! Modi vs Rahul would be a contest between heavy weight champion vs fly weight trainee......

“It is cruel to create such ‘Hullabaloo’ over Baba’s First ‘Nursery Rhyme’ before the Audience of Chintan Shivir – let us not assess it from ‘Literary, Poetic, or Musical’ point of view – because it is only listened to & applauded without caring for content-element in it.”

The build up is not commenserate with his no achievements till date,Rahul is reluctant and lacks clarity for whatever he believes in,does he in anything remains a Question.

Saba you cant compare him with Modi,Modi has clarity for what he stands for ,just take Modi disowning complete responsibility for the Riots in 2002.That may sound highly irresponsible but thats what Modi believes in.

When has Rahul ever addressed a press conference and taken direct Questions from the Medi,Not even once in these 9 long years.

Lets give this guy what he deserves , that is just ignore him completely.

I will only comment once on this thread-
Abay Hatttt!! Kaha Kaha se aa jate hai bundlebaaz!!

Youth Icon Rahul?? Wonder which youth they mention out here

 CONVERSATION BTW Mr RR And Mr RG:

Mr RR: Hello Respected RGji.. Salaam, Namaste... Hope you have seen my valuable magazine's latest edition which still gives you hope.. Understandably we did this with haste since our rivals got a edition that offers no hope to you ..

Mr RG: Yawn.. Let me read.. I am just into my usual vacation into some unknown tourist spot. You see Delhi is too damn cold these days.. Uh to do with Global warming

Mr RR: Yup..And here is the next edition. On how the BJP and RSS policies and the cow worshipping hindus have created Global warming crisis.

Mr RG: Spot on. Your editions are our hopes. We have a tough battle ahead. Of course, we have friendly institutions, bureaucracy etc etc but that is not enough to make me into top post 2014. Situation is pretty grim..

Mr RR: That is why, we make more editions. We will come with even bigger ideas. Like our future edition will tell us on how we should nationalize all hindu temples and give that land to the underprivileged so as to prove CONgress is with Aam Admi..

Mr RG: Excellent.. but hold it on.. we should get those talk close to election. That will help us to polarize votes..

Mr RR: yeah we are timing our editions and your media office always in loop...

Mr RG: Ah, ya meanwhile I am also working out new opportunities aka rewards. Special trade pact with Peaceful Pakistan which means new duty free markets for your products ..

Mr RR: Wow.. just the stuff I am looking for..

Mr RG: Hold on.. it is in early stages, give us enough time..

Mr RR: Okay.

Compared to his father, he is a very slow learner.  In fact, the Congress party is desperately trying to convert a social science major into a brain surgeon.

No miracle is going to take place in the Congress party even after elevation of RG to VP`s post..  It would be very very tough for RG to pave a smooth way for Congress to enhence it`s strength in other states in addition to current one.  May be even difficult to maintain it`s current govts in certain states. The biggest challange will be Narendra Modi. It would be difficult for Congress to face BJP if NM is made a candidate for PM`s post.

P.Gautampurkar,Sawai Madhopur,Rajasthan

 "Seeking balance in his life and avoiding power seems to be the result of inner journey and contemplations of Rahul Gandhi"!!!

Does this  lady Naqvi have PhD in the science of absurdity?

Or, has the uncontrollable urge to prostrate in front  of the mafia cause irreversible damage to her brain?

 This clan-worshipping part of South Asian culture (although, not unique but definitely stretched to ridiculous limits) is quite amusing.

If politics is his family vocation then he is welcome to try his hand at it but there is no reason to expect magical super powers from him due to his bloodline.

Is it that hard to believe and accept that may be Rahul is nice ordinary Indian who can be a pleasant fellow but not quite capable of steering billion+ unruly masses?

As a matter of fact, I am not sure anyone else can either. That is why I have been an advocate of more federalism and devolution of power to the states. It is simply too big to be tackled by few geniuses; let alone a lonely scion.

What is the difference between an Ass (R) and a well-BredHorse (M)? This article tries to investigates it. Conclusions ...Both animals have 4 legs, can run, two eyes etc,...

Really, can someone compare an ass with a thorougbred?

Congress needs to find a challanger to Modi fast. Rahul is not that knight in the shining armour. At the ripe old age of 40 he does not even have the basic experience of shouldering resposibilty of a family considering he is still his mama's boy, how can he shoulder resposnsibilty of a billion people? What questions if any has he asked in the parliament? What bills if any has he initiated? What administrative experience does he have? What ministry if any has he ever headed? Does he have  any business experience even? Does he have any special professional or academic credentials? Has he shown any leadership qualities so far? Has he shown any special communication skills? Fact is that he is a disaster in the making if not already a disaster. If Rahul baba applied for a clerk's position in a government office; poor chap would not even qualify for an interview,  much less for the job.  Provided he qualifies the written , that is!! Asking this man to spearhead a government or  even a political party is the height of optimism.  Irrespective of this PR job  and orchestrated media build up he will come a cropper. The big question is ,will he grow enough back bone and muster courage to play with the big boys in 2014 ;or will he continue to "seek balance in his life and avoid power ( responsibility)".

"What questions if any has he asked in the parliament? What bills if any has he initiated? What administrative experience does he have? What ministry if any has he ever headed? Does he have any business experience even? Does he have any special professional or academic credentials? Has he shown any leadership qualities so far?"

Rahul's answers to all these questions ( Deewar style) is "Mere paas mera last Name hai". These questions are irrelevent as he has not shown his real strength yet. He is going to bring the transformation and media and we all are excited to see his hidden strength of make it happen.

I admire Saba....

 "Seeking balance in his life and avoiding power seems to be the result of the inner journey and contemplations of Rahul Gandhi."  What a way to avoid saying he is incompetant.... he cannot handle resposibility and everytime he opens his mouth he sounds more dumb...

 Why certain sections of the soceity like a weak PM candidate? Ponder!

Why people consider the matter as a complicated one. Its as simple as calling sun as sun. Has this man known by the name Rahul Gandhi contributed any thing in terms of Parliamentry debate or participated in media discussion. Has he been instrumental in winning of any election? Congress flatters have created a false aura around him just to consolidate their own position. They are making fool of Gandhis.

Just Prince Charming?
"Just" and with question mark.
hmmmm ...... some people are working too hard for Padma awards I guess.

There is a more apt designation; "Clown Prince".
:D

The public at large is now primarily keen on a corruption-free and citizen's friendly governance with marginal inflation affecting their daily life. And unfortunately, the Congress party did not fare well on such counts in its preceding nine years of rule. Rahul Gandhi's now taking over officially as VP of the party is welcome but he needs to be seen in action while rejuvenating his party structure and infusing an vibrant enthusiasm among the workers. His statements promising actions and assurances alone may not impress the voters anymore.   

"•Brain behind key social initiatives, but defeats in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat imply he is a tried and failed commodity". I prefer to go with this comment in addition he is an example of a "NINCOMPOOP"
 

 Outlook spent the year 2012 publishing anti Modi articles in every issue. That might not have given good returns to people who fund these articles and keep Outlook online edition free and without ads.

So now it will pro Rahul articles for the year 2013 in every issue. I think this might be more effective strategy to build goodwill towards Rahul and enhance the winnability of Congress rather than spewing venom on Modi. 

After making some noise on 20th January 2013,at jaipur, this Vice President 'parrot' has gone silent ,once again.Has he forgotten that his mother has anointed him for performing National 'Duty'? It appears that he wakes up once in six months.

But why Rahul is shown wearing Saffron Turban with small grey lines on the page of OutLook and is wearing orange Hindu welcome Phatas around his neck ? Seems Saffron is all pervading .

Pay careful attention to the photo of congress leaders doing their best to kiss ass.... especially our home minister who is a total disgrace to the country and to himself.

Rahul should win hands down if the elections are held now. Besides the 'Holy' bloggers performing their religious services from abroad, murderer Modi does not enjoy popular support.

 Imran Ahmed Khan >> Rahul should win hands down if the elections are held now

The dynasty of Rahul has ruled India for 50 (out of 65) years and yet the 150 million plus Muslims of india are rotting on most parameters. And yes, a tiny minority of this 150 million people are doing very well and making good fortune. And it is understandable that any election held with only this tiny minority elite among the religious minority will overwhelmingly vote for the dynasty that has kept them rich and well fed (at the expense of the majority of the muslims of india)

At last someone is asking some hard questions. 

http://blogs.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/TheSiegeWithin/entry/is-rahul-able-and-capable

"The voter’s question about Rahul Gandhi is uncomplicated: what precisely has he achieved to justify a claim to become Prime Minister? Genetic entitlement is passé. Rahul is 42 but has never held a job in either the private sector or public life. A fitful presence in Parliament, interspersed with long holidays abroad, does not constitute a job. Rahul could have become a minister at any time in the last eight years, and proved he was competent"

M J Akbar has nailed it.