Poll strategist Prashant Kishor has acknowledged Rahul Gandhi’s role in the Congress party’s improved performance in the recent Lok Sabha elections, but he believes Gandhi has significant challenges ahead before he can be seen as a credible alternative to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
In a recent interview with India TV, Kishor commended Rahul Gandhi for leading Congress to a better-than-expected showing in the general election, noting that the credit for the party’s revival under his leadership is well-deserved.
“Leadership deserves recognition when a party experiences a resurgence,” Kishor remarked. “Congress fought the elections under Rahul’s stewardship, so he should be credited for the party’s performance.”
Despite this, Kishor pointed out that Gandhi still has a considerable journey ahead to solidify his status as a national leader. He drew a comparison with historical context: “For perspective, when Indira Gandhi lost the 1977 Lok Sabha elections, Congress had 154 seats. This time, Congress has 99 seats under Rahul’s leadership. This indicates that Rahul still has a substantial path to traverse to be regarded as a leading national figure.”
When asked if Rahul could emerge as a viable national alternative to Modi, Kishor suggested it may take time. “Rahul has certainly secured his position within the Congress and will likely face no internal party challenge in the next decade. However, transitioning to a national leader is another matter entirely. Achieving 99 seats is one thing, but reaching 250 to 260 seats is quite another,” he said.
Kishor also praised the opposition parties for their collaborative efforts, which he views as beneficial for democracy. “The ongoing debates in Parliament are more robust now, and the opposition’s coordinated approach is commendable,” he added.
The opposition bloc INDIA, including Congress, managed to exceed expectations and thwart the BJP’s quest for a Lok Sabha majority in the 2024 general elections. Congress increased its tally to 99 seats from 52 in 2019, while the BJP’s count fell to 240 from 303.
