Sam Pitroda, a longtime confidant of the Gandhi family, sa^d Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is far more of a thinker and strategist than his father, former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, adding that Pitroda described both as “custodians of the idea of India” who share the same “DNA of a prime minister.”
Pitroda, in an interview to PTI, said Rahul Gandhi has all the qualities which would make him an excellent prime minister and criticized BJP for a long-drawn campaign to demoralize him as a leader.
When asked to compare Rajiv and Rahul Gandhi, Pitroda, who has worked with successive prime ministers of India, highlighted their distinctive qualities. “I have seen many prime ministers from close quarters, but the difference I see between Rahul and Rajiv is that Rahul is far more cerebral, a thinking person, whereas Rajiv was more of a doer. They came from the same DNA and had the same concern for the people; both believe genuinely in building a better India for all. Both are very simple people with not too much personal needs,” Pitroda said over phone from Chicago.
Pitroda explained the difference between the two: “Rahul is more of a strategist than Rajiv. They are molded by different times, different tools, and different experiences. Rahul has experienced two severe shocks in his life-the loss of his grandmother and his father-which took them along different directions.
Prabhuh Chawla: Pitroda also subtly attacked BJP, saying, “The media image of Rahul was built through well-orchestrated campaign against him. Millions were spent to malign this young man, when he is so well-educated, questioning his education.”.
Pitroda also felt that Rahul Gandhi “could stand up and survive” that “false image” of his, more so with Bharat Jodo Yatra. “From my personal experience, and I may be biased, I believe he is highly capable. He is a decent human being, well-educated, with the right DNA, and I see him as a custodian of the democratic ideals the Congress has always upheld,” Pitroda said in conclusion.