Bull's Eye

The first theory was that Rahul spoke about his family alone being capable of saving the Babri mosque because he wanted the Muslim vote. But this theory was quickly shot down. Rahul subsequently boasted that his family broke up Pakistan. This did not go down too well with Muslims. Indian Muslims may not care a jot about Pakistan. However, they do seek Indo-Pakistan normalcy. They want to reduce suspicion and tension in their daily lives.

Rahul’s remark alerted Pakistan. Even our MEA analysed his speech. Rahul had said that his family always completed the job it set out to do. So will Rahul separate Balochistan now, Pakistanis nervously ask? Other analysts believed that Rahul changed his strategy midway. After wooing the Muslim vote, he decided to woo the much larger Hindu vote. They believe he targeted the VHP and Bajrang Dal votebank with his implicit threat to complete the job of breaking up Pakistan. These analysts believe that this votebank is moronic enough to support Rahul’s line.

A few analysts had an altogether different take. According to them, Rahul, knowing the weak state of the Congress, understood that the first requirement was to create a loyal Congress votebank. So very cleverly he first alienated the Hindu vote, then the Muslim vote. Thereby he laid a firm foundation for winning over the Christian vote. That, they claim, would be a start for rebuilding the Congress from scratch.

But the most penetrating analysis has been put forward by an experienced expert whose identity cannot be revealed. According to him, Rahul is a silent but devout follower of Mahatma Gandhi. But he is frustrated that Mahatma Gandhi’s teachings have never been followed. The very last thing Gandhiji wished for was contained in his will. Gandhiji wanted the Congress to disappear. Dissolve the Congress, he urged. Almost 60 years have passed but Congressmen refuse to heed Gandhiji. Now Rahul wants to implement his last wish. That is why his poll campaign speeches. More and more people are veering round to this as the most credible explanation.

(Puri can be reached at rajinderpuri2000@yahoo.com)