The recent departure from the Congress of Milind Deora, a former minister and a close friend Rahul Gandhi, has raised questions about the latter’s leadership. Deora was the most recent of Rahul Gandhi’s close friends to quit the party. Others, such as Sachin Pilot, are also said to be waiting for the right time to leave. Interestingly, most of them have found a place in the BJP. Over the past few years, why have Rahul’s friends gradually distanced themselves from him and the Con- gress?

Rahul Gandhi could have select- ed better advisors for his inner circle. It is important to remember that wise advisers are crucial for the success of any leader. Many Team Rahul mem- bers have left him, looking for greener pastures. They belonged to influential political dynasties. They were expect- ed to take over once the old guard faded away. Most of his handpicked team found places in parties like the BJP and the Samajwadi Party.

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This is reminiscent of his father, the late Rajiv Gandhi, who also faced a similar situation when his chosen aides left him one by one. Rajiv was vilified by his political opponents in an ugly campaign in the run-up to the 1989 election, which led to his fall. Some notable members who left Rajiv’s team included Arun Nehru, Arun Singh, V.P. Singh, and Amitabh Bachchan. Many of Rajiv’s friends were from Doon School, known as the Dosco team.

Jyotiraditya Scindia, a close friend of Rahul Gandhi, was disheart- ened with the Congress’s leadership for not appointing him as the chief minister of Madhya Pradesh. Conse- quently, he helped bring down the Madhya Pradesh government and helped establish the BJP government two years ago. He was awarded a min- isterial post in the Centre in exchange for his support.

Several Congress leaders have recently left the party to join other political groups for better opportuni- ties. Some notable names include Jitin Prasada, who joined the Yogi govern- ment in UP, Kapil Sibal, Alpesh Thakur, and R.P.N Singh. Ghulam Nabi Azad also ended his relationship with the Congress after five decades, citing Rahul Gandhi’s leadership as the reason for the party’s demise.

In Punjab, Captain Amarendra Singh quit the Congress and launched his party. Sunil Jakhar, a sober Con- gress leader, also left soon after. The list goes on.

It is not surprising that Rahul’s team has got dismantled. Leaders are disenchanted with both Rahul and the Congress party. This is despite Rahul having promoted members of his coterie by making them ministers in the Manmohan Singh government from 2009 to 2014 and later giving them positions in the party. Some were even made Congress Working Committee members, which usually takes years to achieve.

It is easy to understand why they left Rahul. Congress lost power ten years ago, and they became restless as the Congress barely managed to win 52 seats. Worried about their future, they started exploring other options. They received tempting offers from the BJP.

Supporters have pushed numer- ous Rahul’s coming-of-age and Rahul 2.0 stories. His image makers have projected Rahul as a caring man with great ideas who can address religious, caste, and economic issues and lead India towards unity and prosperity. In contrast, the BJP portrays him as the “pappu” of Indian politics, a vision- less, entitled scion who cannot lead the country or bring good to its peo- ple.

Though Rajiv and Rahul shared similar political and personal experi- ences and started well in politics, Rajiv learned on the job. Tragic cir- cumstances made him Prime Minister four years after entering politics. Rajiv learned his political lessons well while he was out of power.

His misguided advisors and polit- ical inexperience marred Rajiv’s good intentions. The Sri Lanka Peace Accord failed, and the decision to send the IPKF was catastrophic. He was assassinated in Tamil Nadu as a result.

Over the last two decades, Rahul has not shown any significant growth. He has been given positions of power without asking for them. With Con- gress President Mallikarjan Kharge acting as a mere figurehead and his mother, Sonia Gandhi, taking a back seat, Rahul has complete freedom to appoint critical personnel to key posi- tions within the Congress.

To win the 2024 elections, Rahul Gandhi needs to review his strategy, select the right people to work with and build strong leaders in each state. His ongoing Bharat Nyay Yatra is an effective way to connect with voters, just like his previous yatra did. The most important thing is to get the vot- ers to the polling booth. Rahul must learn from past experiences, make necessary changes promptly, earn the trust of Congress workers and coali- tion partners, and, above all, find a new narrative.