Rahul Gandhi’s ‘dandi’ march across suicide prone Vidarbha

Even as the Narendra Modi led government struggles to find a solution to the growing farmer dissent across India, Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi is making the most of the situation. While much has been written about the new invigorated Gandhi scion, it is interesting to note, just how swiftly tables have turned for the BJP government at the Centre.

On a strong footing and raring to go at the beginning of this session of the Parliament, Modi seems to be in a ‘thought bubble’ unable to take concrete decisions on the NDA’s key bills such as the land acquisition bill and the GST. Both bills have been stuck at the Parliament, rattled by one ‘question hour adjournment’ after another to derail discussions on these key legislation in the Parliament by the opposition. Both bills have been the front-runners to bring about the much touted reforms to India’s stagnant economy.

Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi has sprung into action, having reached Amravati, on a ‘padyatra’ to meet with affected farmers and their families across the dreaded Vidarbha region, known as India’s farmer suicide capital. He will travel on foot across 5 villages, meeting families of farmers who have committed suicide and those that are facing acute financial crisis due to crop damage.

Gandhi, who was in Punjab a day ago meeting with affected farmers, is trying to score a huge political point for his Congress party, who were rooted out of New Delhi by a thumping victory of the BJP about a year ago. He knows that for the Congress it is really a do-or-die moment, where any false step could cost him and his party dearly.

As for Modi, the worry seems to be mounting, as experts, industrialists, farmers and the regular public have started questioning the government’s speed for action. Many industry stalwarts such as Deepak Parekh have already raised concerns over the Government’s inability to implement key reformatory legislation such as the new labour bill, land acquisition bill and even the GST that will help India back into the speedy growth path.

The next few days will be extremely important not only for Rahul Gandhi and his political aspirations, but also for Modi and the country’s economy, because each bill passed or not passed, will have a direct impact on the India’s economic health.