As we gear up for the general elections in 2014, the next big debate has already started as who should be the next prime minister of India. The two obvious choices that lead the race are the Gujarat’s Chief Minister Narendra Modi and Congress scion, Rahul Gandhi. Debates have already ensued in electronic as well as social media pointing to the strengths and shortcomings of both these leaders and to come to a consensus as to who is more suitable heir to the Indian democracy. We will compare the two men on different parameters and see how they fare in this comparison.
1. Leadership
Narendra Modi has enjoyed three consecutive terms and is credited for making Gujarat the first choice for business houses, thereby driving economic growth of the state. However, the scenario is a little different at central level where coalition is the need of the hour, which means you must know how to run government while keeping multiple stakeholders happy. Modi has been at different administration levels during his career and is also regarded as a master strategist, though his skills to run a coalition government are yet to be tested.
Rahul Gandhi is now the Vice President of Indian National Congress and has shown his reluctance in the past several times to join mainstream politics. It has resulted in confusion within Congress as to what exactly his role would be in coming years within Congress. It is a high time that Rahul showed more intent to take up responsibility and become the change agent in Indian politics.
2. Public Image:
While Modi has never faced allegations of corruption, the 2002 Godhra riots remain a dark spot on his government. While he was asked to resign by AIADMK and TDP, will the secular allies of BJP offer him support in elections is still a question mark.
Rahul Gandhi hasn’t faced corruption charge, however the majority still believes he’s still immature for the PM role given to the fact he hasn’t been the part of government in the past.
3. Vision:
People want their future leaders to envisage a vision at economic and social level. Under Modi’s governance Gujarat has achieved new heights of economic development. Everyone has praised his efforts to make Gujarat a more business friendly state. People believe that he can do it at the national level and bring back the confidence og global investors in Indian economy.
Rahul Gandhi’s recent address to FICCI shows his intent to be more open to industry about his thoughts related to be Indian economy and to collaborate with industry. However, his involvement in this field has been negligible in past.
We know as the elections come closer there are going to be many more Rahul vs Modi debates. While Modi seems to enjoy clear edge over his opponent as of now people opinion can change with time. However, we cannot deny that democracy is more than its leadership and it is common man of India who loses focus while we ramble about our leadership.
