Shakil Ahmad, once a key Congress figure, held nothing back in his IANS exclusive, diagnosing Rahul Gandhi’s arrogance, insecurities, and strategic missteps as central to the party’s malaise. The New Delhi interview laid bare internal rifts and electoral blunders.
Rahul’s image as unserious stems from bilingual hurdles, Ahmad argued, not intellect—contrasting with Sonia’s Hindi mastery despite origins. But Rahul’s echo-chamber of loyalists blinds him, unlike Sonia’s people-connect.
Insecurity drives Rahul to shun pre-existing leaders, fostering a cult of untested aides, Ahmad asserted. This personalization failed where Sonia succeeded in party-building.
Bluntly, ‘Rahul is arrogant,’ Ahmad said, citing Tharoor’s presidential bid suppression. Family veto power ensures their picks prevail, leaving others in limbo.
Priyanka’s public connect and cultural fluency outshine, her local roots aiding authenticity. Yet, Rahul’s grip prompts speculation on promotion reluctance.
Congress Bihar failure? Divided votes, suspect tickets, BJP defectors fighting under Congress banner, and opportunistic backward outreach pre-elections. Muslim votes are courted via anti-BJP positioning, securing runner-up nationally.
Team mismatch: Savarna-dominated despite social justice talk. Ahmad decried hypocrisy, urging inclusion of mass leaders like Pilot and intellectuals like Tharoor.
From Bihar’s 65-35 split to Delhi zeros, accountability lacks. Ahmad’s exit stemmed from candid advisories bruising egos.
Revival hinges on Rahul evolving—embracing diversity, ditching filters, prioritizing substance over symbolism. His revelations spotlight the high stakes for Congress’s future.