Amethi: Congress President Rahul Gandhi is the most vocal critics of Narendra Modi. He leaves no stones unturned in his crusade to dethrone the Prime Minister of India. In spite of his efforts against the seasoned warhorse, his campaign is losing steam as the Lok Sabha elections are nearing.
However, in his haste to usurp Narendra Modi, the Gandhi scion forgot about his home turf, Amethi. This constituency, which has been represented by the Nehru-Gandhi family for decades, will become the focal point to assess Rahul Gandhi’s performance as the representative of the people.
Though Amethi elected the top brass of Congress party for decades, development is still a far cry for the people. Literacy, health, and economic indicators do not fare better.
The underperformance of the constituency betrays the incapacity and disinterest of the Gandhi family in nurturing Amethi, which were in their hands since 1980, barring some years.
Rahul Gandhi has been representing Amethi since 2004 and the Congress was in power in Delhi from 2004 to 2014. Being the topmost leader of Congress with powers to dictate the then Prime Minister, he could have made a huge difference in the prospects of Amethi.
However, he had no vision or idea to develop the constituency. Compare his inaction with the one and half decades of Narendra Modi’s Chief Ministership of Gujarat and we will get an idea of the extent of neglect that the Gandhi scion has done to the people who voted him to power.
While Narendra Modi was successful in turning the prospects of Gujarat and solved many pressing problems like scarcity of water and non-availability of electricity, the people of Amethi are still struggling with the same problems since Rahul Gandhi began his tenure as MP.
Being an astute politician, Narendra Modi has brought focus on the developmental bankruptcy of Amethi. On his maiden visit to the constituency since becoming the Prime Minister, he brought the attention of the plight of the constituency. He reminded the people about the lack of jobs and the false promises made by Rahul Gandhi.
Prime Minister inaugurated 17 projects worth Rs. 538 crores in Amethi and explained how the development projects of the Central Government have been helping the people of Amethi.
Smriti Irani who lost from Amethi in 2014, have been more active in the development efforts of the constituency than the elected MP himself. She used her position as Union Minister to bring many basic health and educational facilities.
What Rahul Gandhi must realize is that the people are watching and comparing him with his more pro-development oriented rival. The younger generation is aspiring for jobs and opportunities near their homes. They want a better quality of life and a brighter future.
That is why Congress could not win any of the four Assembly seats in 2017, which come under Amethi district. Three of the seats were won by the BJP.
For Rahul Gandhi, losing Amethi will be a disaster. While Rahul Gandhi shouts, winks and hugs in Parliament, he must realize that his home constituency is under attack from the BJP.
Times have changed. Gone are the days when the name of Gandhi Family used to stir emotions in the hearts of the voters. People are now craving for development.
Without delivering on the promise of progress, Rahul Gandhi must realize that there is a real danger that Amethi will slip from under his nose.
