The Chemistry and Four P's of Akhilesh Yadav and Rahul Gandhi

LUCKNOW:Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav who barely got moments to speak at a first joint press conference perhaps, added the most important ‘P to the 3 P’s of Progress, Peace,Prosperity listed by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi---People.

The chemistry between the two was attractive, evident in the easy interaction and smiling accommodation of each others views. Both were dressed in similar clothes, white kurta-pajama with black Nehru jackets. And as Rahul Gandhi said, even during the heated days of seat allocation both would send each other messages, and keep in touch as personal friends.

The Delhi-obsessed media of course, addressed most of the questions to Rahul Gandhi, but the occasional words that the young CM did get in were political and clear. On two occasions he very quietly differered with the more vocal Congress leader, making his points firmly.

For instance Rahul Gandhi praised Mayawati, saying he had full regard for her and her mentor Kanshi Ram. And that he saw a major difference between her and the BJP as the politics of the latter was based on hate and divisivness and was a threat to India. Mayawati’s ideology, he said, was not.

The CM was also asked about this by a journalist reminding him that he used to call Mayawati bua (aunt), and she too could have been included in the alliance. “I have not said this (bua) in recent times,” Akhilesh Yadav said quietly. And then added, “ the haathi (elephant that is the BSP symbol) would have taken a lot of space that neither I nor Rahul could have given.”

And then again when in response to questions Rahul Gandhi repeatedly spoke of his respect for Akhilesh Yadav’s intent to change UP and his effort to do so, implying that the work was not really done, the CM finally intervened. And pointed out that the kind of work that had been done by his government in UP was unprecedented, and well known to the people.

Significantly, it is because of this work that the CM has gained respect and popularity in UP. And the reason why the Congress has joined the alliance, in an effort to piggyback on Akhilesh Yadav’s surging popularity in the state. As the CM added, kaam bolta hai (work speaks),and insisted that the youth and the kisan had remained the Samajwadi party’s focus all along. Again this quiet statement came after a remark by Rahul Gandhi where he seemed to indicate that this focus was at his bidding.

It was a refreshing press conference by any standards. Both spoke out against the BJP with Rahul Gandhi attacking the divisive, hate filled ideology of the party as he put it. He insisted that it was imperative to cut through this with unity, and brotherhood as both asserted that development was inextricably linked with harmony.

In a country that seem to be desperately seeking change from the old order represented largely by old politicians, both the young leaders enhanced each other with their smiling affection, and the ability of Akhilesh Yadav to appear to be playing second fiddle even though he is not. He knew every journalist present by name, exuded easy confidence, bantered with some, and differed with others---but all with what is now his hallmark smile.

Rahul Gandhi spoke of sincereity of purpose that he said both of them had, and for once it seemed to strike a chord even amongst the cynical journalists gathered in the hall. Both fielded awkward questions deftly.

On Rae Bareilly and Amethi where the Congress is insisting on more seats in the Assembly segments:

Rahul Gandhi: this is a peripheral issue. Central issue is our resolve to change UP. To defeat the BJP and the fascist forces

On Mulayam Singh and Sonia Gandhi

Akhilesh Yadav: we have their blessings

On 2019 polls together:

Akhilesh Yadav: We have not thought that far. We have just completed this alliance.

On Priyanka Gandhi:

Rahul Gandhi: she is my sister, and it is up to her to decide whether she wants to campaign or not. She is an asset to the Congress.

On differences:

We have come together on similarities.

It now remains for the two leaders to be able to sell this alliance to the people as viable and effective. And indeed sincere in its purpose of bringing about progress, change, rights, justice and communal harmony along with development for the youth and the farmers that both identified as their basic thrust areas.