Rahul Gandhi: Age, Height, Caste, Wife, Girlfriend, Profession, Family, Biography & More

Rahul Gandhi Quick Info

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Biography – Wiki

Full Name	Rahul Rajiv Gandhi
Nickname	RaGa
Profession	Politician / Member of the Lok Sabha
Physical Stats – Height – Weight & More
Height (approx.)	In Centimeters - 170 Cm In Meters - 1.70 M In Feet Inches - 5’ 7”
Weight (approx.)	In Kilograms - 70 Kg In Pounds - 154 Lbs
Eye Colour	Dark Brown
Hair Colour	Dark Brown
Exploring the Personal Life of Rahul Gandhi
Date of Birth	Rahul Gandhi was born on 19 June 1970 in New Delhi, India.
Age	As of 2024, Rahul Gandhi is 53 years old.
Birthplace	He hails from New Delhi, India. His ancestral origin is Louisiana, Italy.
Zodiac sign	Rahul Gandhi's zodiac sign is Gemini.
Signature	Insert Sign
Nationality	Rahul Gandhi holds Indian nationality.
Hometown	His hometown is New Delhi, India, with ancestral roots in Louisiana, Italy.
School(s)	Rahul Gandhi attended St. Columba's School in Delhi, India, and The Doon School in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India. After the assassination of his grandmother, Indira Gandhi, he was mostly home-schooled.
College/University	He pursued his education at St. Stephen's College in Delhi, India, Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, U.S., Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida, U.S., and Trinity College in Cambridge, England. After the assassination of his father, Rajiv Gandhi, he moved from Harvard to Rollins College, where he completed his study in International Relations and Politics.
Educational Qualification(s)	Rahul Gandhi holds a Bachelor of Arts from Rollins College, Florida, United States, an M.Phil (Economics) from Trinity College, Cambridge, England, and studied International Relations and Politics at Harvard.
Religion	He practices Hinduism.
Caste	Rahul Gandhi belongs to the Kashmiri Brahmin (Dattatreya) caste.
Ethnicity	His ethnicity is Indian and Italian.
Blood Group	Rahul Gandhi has blood group B (-ve).
Food Habit	He follows a non-vegetarian diet. In an interview, he mentioned not liking jackfruit and peas.
Address	His address is 12, Tughlak Lane, New Delhi.
Hobbies	Rahul Gandhi enjoys reading, traveling, scuba diving, and free diving.
Exploring the Family Tree: An Insight into Family Details
Family	Father: Late Rajiv Ratna Gandhi was an Indian politician who served as the 6th Prime Minister of India from 1984 to 1989. Mother: Sonia Gandhi is an Indian politician & the longest serving president of the Indian National Sister: Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is an Indian politician and the general secretary of the All India Congress Committee in charge of Uttar Pradesh. Brother: None
Rahul’s Political Career
Influential years Year Political Career 2004 Rahul Gandhi announced his entry into politics in March, declaring his candidacy for the 14th general elections from the Amethi constituency in Uttar Pradesh. This was previously held by his father, Rajiv Gandhi. Despite political expectations favoring his sister Priyanka, Rahul aimed to invigorate the Congress party's appeal among India's youth. In the 2004 Indian general election, the Congress party, after eight years out of power, returned with 145 seats. Rahul won from Amethi with a substantial margin, maintaining the family's stronghold in Uttar Pradesh. He emphasized unity, condemning divisive politics and expressing a commitment to reducing caste and religious tensions in India. Despite the victory, he did not hold any official government position. From 2004 to 2006, he served as a member of the Standing Committee on Home Affairs. (Supporting Pic Required) 2006 Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi managed their mother Sonia Gandhi's successful campaign for re-election to Raebareli. The victory had a margin of over 400,000 votes. Rahul played a prominent role in the Congress campaign for the 2007 Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly election, where the party did not perform well, securing only 22 seats out of 403 with an 8.53% vote share. (Supporting Pic Required) 2007 On 24 September 2007, Rahul Gandhi was appointed as the General Secretary of the All India Congress Committee, the governing body of the Congress party, as part of a reshuffle of the party secretariat. In the same reshuffle, he also took charge of the Indian Youth Congress and the National Students Union of India. This marked a significant step in his organizational role within the party. (Supporting Pic Required) Youth politics Year Political Career 2007 In September, Rahul Gandhi was appointed as the General Secretary of the Indian Youth Congress (IYC) and the National Students Union of India (NSUI), segments of the Congress party representing the younger generation and the student community, respectively. As General Secretary, he played a significant role in shaping the policies and strategies of both organizations. During his tenure, the IYC and NSUI experienced a remarkable increase in membership, growing from 200,000 to 2.5 million. Gandhi led a restructuring process within the IYC to make it more democratic and inclusive. In November 2008, he conducted interviews at his residence in New Delhi to select at least 40 individuals for the Indian Youth Congress (IYC) think-tank. (Supporting Pic Required) 2009 During a visit to West Bengal, the state unit of the Youth Congress registered 1 million members under Gandhi's leadership. Similarly, the IYC, which was acquiring 10 to 15 new members per day in each assembly segment of Uttar Pradesh, witnessed a surge to 150 to 200 new members per day in the same regions after Gandhi's visit. Role as General Secretary of NSUI Rahul Gandhi, in his capacity as the General Secretary of the National Students Union of India (NSUI), actively worked to strengthen the organization and enhance student involvement in politics. Under his leadership, the NSUI initiated various programs and campaigns addressing issues such as the quality of education, employment opportunities, and social justice. Gandhi advocated for increased student representation in decision-making processes and supported student leaders in their endeavours. (Supporting Pic Required) General election (2009 and 2014) Year Political Career 2009 The Election Commission of India announced the 14th General Elections, held in five phases from 16 April to 13 May 2009, to elect members of the 15th Lok Sabha. Rahul Gandhi extensively campaigned across India, covering 22 states and 107 constituencies. His campaign involved addressing public rallies, interacting with voters, and highlighting the Congress party's vision on issues such as rural development, education, employment, women's empowerment, and youth participation in politics. Despite pre-poll predictions and exit polls, the Congress-led UPA government secured a clear mandate, although not a majority. Gandhi retained his Amethi seat by defeating his rival with a margin of over 370,000 votes. The Congress, under his influence, revived in Uttar Pradesh, winning 21 out of the total 80 Lok Sabha seats. 2014 Rahul Gandhi contested the 2014 Indian general election from Amethi, leading the election campaign of the Indian National Congress. He retained the Amethi seat, defeating BJP's Smriti Irani by a reduced margin of 107,000 votes. However, the Congress, under his leadership, experienced its worst-ever performance, winning only 44 seats compared to the 206 seats in the 2009 general election. The Congress-led UPA also had its worst-ever performance, securing only 59 seats compared to the 262 seats won previously in 2009. After the defeat, Gandhi offered to resign from his posts, but the party's working committee rejected his resignation. (Supporting Pic Required) Assembly elections (2012) Year Political Career 2012 Rahul Gandhi actively campaigned for almost two months during the 2012 Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, holding 200 rallies. Despite his efforts, Congress ranked as the fourth party in the state, winning 28 seats, an increase of six seats from the 2007 elections. In the Amethi parliamentary constituency, Congress won two out of the 15 seats. Congress activists defended the results, emphasizing the distinction between state and national elections. Despite the turnaround attributed to Gandhi in the 2009 Lok Sabha elections in the state, he publicly accepted responsibility for the outcome in an interview after the results were declared. 2012 (Later) In the Gujarat assembly elections later in the year, Rahul Gandhi was not made the head of the election campaign. This decision was interpreted by opponents as an admission of defeat and a tactic to avoid blame for the potential loss. Congress won 57 seats in the assembly of 182, which was 2 less than the previous elections in 2007. In subsequent bypolls, Congress lost 4 more seats to the BJP. General election (2019) Year Political Career 2019 Rahul Gandhi used the slogan "Chowkidar Chor Hai" against Narendra Modi, the BJP's Prime Ministerial candidate, during the 2019 Indian general election. The slogan targeted Modi over alleged irregularities and favoritism in the Rafale fighter jet deal contracts. The Supreme Court of India reviewed the case and dismissed it, exonerating the current Indian government. Gandhi led the election campaign of the Indian National Congress, resulting in an improvement in seat count from 44 out of 543 in 2014 to 52 out of 542 in 2019. The party also increased its vote share from 19.3% to 19.5% in 2019. Despite the improvement, the Congress failed to secure 10% of the seats required to claim the post of Leader of Opposition. Following the disappointing performance, Gandhi resigned as the party leader and was succeeded by his mother, Sonia Gandhi. Gandhi contested the 2019 Lok Sabha election from two constituencies: Amethi, Uttar Pradesh, and Wayanad, Kerala. He won the Wayanad seat with over 60% vote share but lost his existing seat of Amethi to Smriti Irani of the BJP by a margin of 55,120 votes. Bharat Jodo Yatra (2022–2023) Year Political Career 2022 Rahul Gandhi initiated the Bharat Jodo Yatra, a 'Unite India March,' on 7 September 2022, starting from Kanyakumari. The march began with tributes to his late father Rajiv Gandhi, Swami Vivekananda, and Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar. Described by the Congress as "India's biggest mass contact program," the yatra aimed to address people's concerns, with the ultimate goal of reaching Delhi. After covering 4,080 kilometers (2,540 miles) in nearly five months across 12 states and two union territories, the march concluded with the unfurling of the tricolour flag at Srinagar's historic Lal Chowk. This marked the end of the 137-day-long foot march. Rahul Gandhi stated that the Bharat Jodo Yatra provided an alternative vision for the country's politics. During the march, the Indian National Congress (INC) elected a new party president. Additionally, the INC secured a majority in the 2022 Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly election, marking its first independent majority since 2018. Conviction and Stay (2023) Year Political Career 2023 On 23 March 2023, Rahul Gandhi was convicted and sentenced to two years imprisonment by a court in Surat, Gujarat, under charges of defamation related to remarks made against Narendra Modi during the 2019 Indian general election campaign. The case was filed by Bharatiya Janata Party MLA Purnesh Modi, alleging defamation against everyone with the surname Modi. Chief Judicial Magistrate H. H. Verma held Gandhi guilty, stating that the entire "Modi community" was defamed when he asked, "Why do all these thieves have the name Modi?" during a speech comparing Narendra Modi with economic offenders such as Nirav Modi and Lalit Modi. Legal experts questioned the basis of the charge as defamation is typically against individuals, not a generic class of people. Gandhi's lawyers announced an appeal at a higher court and secured a one-month stay on the sentence. The conviction, if it comes into force, would disqualify him from holding public office and make him ineligible to contest the upcoming 2024 Indian general election. On 24 March, a notification from the Lok Sabha Secretariat, affirmed by the Speaker Om Birla, disqualified Rahul Gandhi as a member of Parliament, effective 23 March. Differing views among legal experts arose on whether a stay on sentencing and conviction should lead to immediate disqualification. On 4 August, the Supreme Court of India stayed Rahul Gandhi's conviction pending appeal. This legal development had implications for his disqualification as a member of Parliament, offering a temporary reprieve in light of the ongoing legal proceedings.
Rahul Gandhi’s Electoral performance
Rahul Gandhi's electoral journey has been marked by varying degrees of success. In the 2004, 2009, and 2014 Lok Sabha elections, he contested from the Amethi constituency, securing victories in 2004 and 2009 with substantial vote shares. However, in 2014, his vote shares significantly decreased. The 2019 elections saw a shift, with Rahul Gandhi contesting and losing from Amethi but emerging victorious from Wayanad. Despite the mixed results, his political trajectory showcases adaptability and resilience in the electoral arena. Year Election Party Constituency Name Result Votes gained Vote share% 2004 14th Lok Sabha Indian National Congress  Amethi Won 3,90,179 66.18% 2009 15th Lok Sabha Won 4,64,195 71.78% 2014 16th Lok Sabha Won 4,08,651 46.71% 2019 17th Lok Sabha Lost 4,13,394 43.86% Wayanad Won 7,06,367 64.67%
Positions held by Rahul Gandhi
In public offices, Rahul Gandhi has served in various capacities, starting with his election to the 14th Lok Sabha in 2004. Over the years, he contributed as a member of the Standing Committee on Home Affairs and the Standing Committee on Human Resource Development. His commitment continued in subsequent terms, including his roles in the 15th, 16th, and 17th Lok Sabhas, where he actively participated in committees such as Defence, External Affairs, Rural Development, and Finance. Within the party, Rahul Gandhi has played key roles, holding the position of General Secretary of the INC from 2007 to 2013. Additionally, he has been the Chairperson of both the Indian Youth Congress and the NSUI since 2007. His leadership evolved, with roles such as Vice President from 2013 to 2016 and later taking on the significant responsibility of the President of the INC from 2017 to 2019, succeeding Sonia Gandhi. Public offices Year Description 2004 Elected to 14th Lok Sabha Member, Standing Committee on Home Affairs (2004–06) Member, Standing Committee on Human Resource Development (2006–09) 2009 Elected to 15th Lok Sabha (2nd term) Member, Standing Committee on Human Resource Development Member, Consultative Committee on Rural Development 2014 Elected to 16th Lok Sabha (3rd term) Member, Standing Committee on External Affairs Member, Consultative Committee on Ministry of Finance and Corporate Affairs 2019 Elected to 17th Lok Sabha (4th term) Member, Standing Committee on Defence Member, Consultative Committee, Ministry of External Affairs Within party Year Position Preceded by Succeeded by 2007 - 2013 General secretary of INC     2007 - Incumbent (as of 2020) Chairperson of Indian Youth Congress Position established Incumbent (as of 2020) 2007 - Incumbent (as of 2020) Chairperson of NSUI Position established Incumbent (as of 2020) 2013 - 2016 Vice president of INC Position established Position abolished 2017 - 2019 President of INC Sonia Gandhi Sonia Gandhi (interim)
National Security Perspectives of Rahul Gandhi
In this segment on national security, Rahul Gandhi's viewpoints and statements on various issues have stirred both public discourse and political debates. Wikileaks Revelation (2010): During the United States diplomatic cables leak, a cable dated 3 August 2009 revealed a lunch hosted by then-Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for Rahul Gandhi. In a candid conversation with the U.S. Ambassador, Timothy J. Roemer, Gandhi expressed his belief that Hindu extremists posed a greater threat to India than Muslim militants. He specifically pointed to polarizing figures within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). These remarks drew sharp criticism from the BJP, with accusations of divisive language and compromising India's fight against terrorism. Muzaffarnagar Riots (2013): After the 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots, Gandhi claimed at an election rally that a police officer informed him about Pakistan's ISI attempting to recruit riot-affected youngsters. However, authorities, including the district administration, UP state government, RAW, and IB, denied such developments. This statement faced heavy criticism, leading to demands for an apology from various political parties. In response to the Election Commission of India's notice, Gandhi clarified that he didn't intend to exploit communal sentiments but was referring to divisive politics. Security Briefings (2013): The BJP raised concerns about Rahul Gandhi, who held no government post, being briefed by intelligence officers on crucial security issues. This raised questions about the nature of such briefings and the appropriateness of involving an individual without an official government role. The Election Commission of India, in November 2013, found Gandhi's explanation insufficient and advised caution in his public utterances during election campaigns. Rahul Gandhi's stance on national security has sparked debates, reflecting the complex and sensitive nature of such discussions within the political landscape of India.
Lokpal Reform Advocacy
Rahul Gandhi has advocated for significant changes to the Lokpal system, suggesting that it should be elevated to the status of a constitutional body accountable to Parliament, mirroring the Election Commission of India's structure. This proposal was articulated on 25 August 2011, during the 10th day of Anna Hazare's fast. Gandhi emphasized the need for not just the Lokpal but also a robust political will to effectively combat corruption. However, his statement was perceived by the opposition and members of Team Anna as a delaying tactic, drawing criticism from leaders such as Sushma Swaraj and Arun Jaitley. Subsequently, the Parliamentary Standing Committee, headed by Abhishek Manu Singhvi, presented the Jan Lokpal Bill report in the Rajya Sabha on 9 December 2011. The report endorsed the transformation of Lokpal into a constitutional body, indicating a potential shift towards comprehensive reform in the anti-corruption framework.
Farmers' and Land Agitation: Rally and Critique
In a crucial moment on 19 April 2015, Rahul Gandhi took center stage at the Kisan Khet Mazdoor Rally in Ramlila Maidan, addressing the concerns of farmers and workers. With references to his past agitations in Niyamgiri, Orissa, and Bhatta-Parsaul, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, Gandhi drew attention to the struggles faced by these communities. The rally, witnessing the participation of 1 lakh people, became a platform for Gandhi to criticize Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In his speech, Gandhi targeted Modi's assertion in Toronto about "cleaning the mess created by previous governments." He questioned the financing of Modi's election campaigns, alleging that the Prime Minister borrowed substantial funds from industrialists and would repay them by taking away farmers' land and granting it to his industrialist allies. The term "suit-boot government" was coined by Gandhi to mock Modi's high-profile monogrammed suit worn during a meeting with Barack Obama. Additionally, he used the "acche din government" jibe, highlighting the perceived failure of Modi's promised "good days government." As the BJP government introduced a land bill in May, facing criticism from opposition parties, Gandhi accused them of "murdering" the UPA's land bill. He vowed to prevent the passage of the bill, even if it meant taking the protest to the streets. Gandhi asserted that the government diluted the bill, labeling it as "anti-farmer" and drawing a parallel between the legislation and "daylight robbery." On 26 May, marking the first anniversary of the Modi government, Gandhi, at a rally in Kozhikode, expressed disappointment, stating that the celebratory mood was confined to a few powerful friends of the government, leaving farmers and labourers with nothing to celebrate.
Supporting Women's Empowerment and LGBTQ Rights
Rahul Gandhi has been a vocal advocate for women's empowerment and gender equality in India, consistently addressing these critical issues. His stance includes a call for increased representation of women in politics and a resolute commitment to eliminate gender-based violence. During the second Manmohan Singh ministry, he threw his support behind the Women's Reservation Bill, aiming for a 33 percent reservation of all Lok Sabha and state legislative assembly seats for women. Gandhi asserted, "Women do not need any protection. If you give them their rights, they can protect themselves." The bill passed in the Rajya Sabha on 9 March 2010, with the provision that the reservation would be in effect for 15 years. However, the bill never went to a vote in the Lok Sabha and eventually lapsed due to its pending status. In 2019, while addressing students in Chennai, Gandhi renewed his call for a 33 percent reservation of parliamentary Lok Sabha and state legislative assembly seats for women, along with government jobs. Additionally, on 6 September 2018, the Supreme Court of India revoked Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, an act which criminalized homosexual sex between adults. Gandhi had backed the repeal of Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code and the decriminalization of homosexuality, stating that he believed that issues related to personal freedom should be left to the individual.
Relationships & More
Affairs/Girlfriends	Veronique Cartelli (Spanish Architect): Rahul Gandhi was romantically linked with Veronique Cartelli, a Spanish architect from Venezuela. The two reportedly met while studying in England and were seen together multiple times, sparking dating rumors. However, in 2004, Rahul Gandhi clarified that Veronique was his best friend, putting an end to the speculations surrounding their relationship. Noal Zaher (Afghan Princess): Another relationship rumor involved Rahul Gandhi and Noal Zaher, the granddaughter of the late Afghan king, Mohamed Zahir Shah. Photographs of the two surfaced, showing them together at Delhi's Aman Hotel and in France. Despite the speculations, details about the nature of their relationship remained private. (Ref Link)
Personal Life
Marital Status	Unmarried
Wife /Spouse	N/A
Children	None
Other Relatives	Grandfather – Late Feroze Gandhi was an Indian freedom fighter, politician and journalist. Grandmother – Late Indira Gandhi was an Indian politician and stateswoman who served as the third Prime Minister of India from 1966 to 1977 and again from 1980 until her assassination in 1984. Uncle – Late Sanjay Gandhi, uncle of Rahul was an Indian politician and the younger son of Indira Gandhi and Feroze Gandhi. Aunty - Maneka Gandhi is an Indian politician and a member of the Lok Sabha, the lower house of the Indian parliament and a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Cousin - Varun Gandhi is an Indian politician and a third-term member of Parliament for Lok Sabha from the Pilibhit constituency.
Favorites and Hobbies
Food	Rahul Gandhi has a preference for a variety of dishes, including noodles, coastal Indian dishes, seafood, chicken tikka, seekh kebab, mutton, and omelette.
Restaurant(s)	Among his favored dining establishments are Moti Mahal in Delhi, along with Sagar, Swagat, and Sarvana Bhavan.
Politician(s)	In terms of political figures, Rahul Gandhi holds his father, Rajiv Gandhi, and his great-grandfather, Jawaharlal Nehru, in high regard.
Style Quotient, Assets & Properties
Cars Collection	Tata Safari: Rahul Gandhi owns an older-generation bulletproof Tata Safari, with the specifics of its engine modifications remaining unclear. Toyota Fortuner: The collection includes two Toyota Fortuner SUVs, offering a choice between a 2.7-litre petrol engine and a robust 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine. The SUVs feature 6-speed manual or automatic transmissions and a 4x4 system for versatile terrain conquering. Honda CR-V: Rahul Gandhi's lineup features the Honda CR-V, a premium mid-size SUV, equipped with a discontinued 2.4-litre petrol engine and a 5-speed automatic gearbox. Toyota Land Cruiser: Completing the collection is the Toyota Land Cruiser, an older model boasting a reliable 4.4-litre diesel engine, automatic transmission, and formidable off-road capabilities. (Ref Link)
Assets / Properties	Immovable Assets: - Rahul Gandhi owns a piece of farmland in Delhi's Sultanpur Village and two office premises in Gurgaon, with a total worth of Rs. 10.08 Crore. Movable Assets: - Gold Holdings: 333.3 gm of gold jewellery valued at Rs. 5.80 Crore. - Financial Instruments: Bonds, debentures, and shares with a combined value of Rs. 5.19 Crore. - Liquid Assets: A bank balance amounting to Rs. 17.93 lakh. - Cash in Hand: Rs. 40 thousand.
Salary, Net Worth & Monthly Income
Salary	Rs. 1 Lakh + other allowances (As an MP)
Net worth	Rs. 15.88 Crore (as of 2019)
Monthly Income	N/A
Yearly Income	N/A

Unveiling the lesser-known facets of Rahul Gandhi’s life

Rahul Gandhi’s Early Life

• Born on June 19, 1970, in Delhi to Rajiv Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi is the first of their two children.
• His paternal grandfather, Feroze Gandhi, was a Parsi from Gujarat, and he is the great-grandson of India’s first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru. (Supporting Pic Required)
• Gandhi’s younger sister is Priyanka Vadra, and his brother-in-law is Robert Vadra.
• He attended St. Columba’s School, Delhi, and later joined the all-boys’ boarding The Doon School in Dehradun from 1981 to 1983.
• Due to security threats faced by the family from Sikh extremists after the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, both Rahul and his sister Priyanka were homeschooled.
• In 1989, he joined St. Stephen’s College, Delhi, but later moved to Harvard University after completing the first year examinations. (Supporting Pic Required)
• Following the assassination of his father, Rajiv Gandhi, in 1991, he shifted to Rollins College in Florida, USA, due to security concerns, earning his B.A. in 1994.
• In 1995, he obtained a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) from Trinity College, Cambridge.
• Before entering politics, Gandhi worked at the management consulting firm Monitor Group in London for three years.
• He returned to India in 2002 and established his technology consultancy, Backops Services Private Ltd, in Mumbai.
• Gandhi also opened BackOps UK, a firm acquiring defense contracts from foreign companies supplying to the Indian armed forces.

Unknown facts about Rahul Gandhi

• Rahul Gandhi is the great-grandson of India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru. 
• Due to Sikh extremism after Indira Gandhi’s assassination, Rahul and his sister were primarily home-schooled.
• After his father’s assassination in 1991, he shifted from Harvard University to Rollins College for security reasons. (Supporting Pics Required)
• He used the pseudonym “Raul Vinci” during his college days to maintain his identity secret. (Supporting Pics Required)
• His first job was at the management consulting firm Monitor Group in London, where his first paycheck was around £2500 or £3000.
• In 2004, he contested his first Lok Sabha election from Amethi constituency in Uttar Pradesh and won with a victory margin of over 1 lakh.
• Until 2006, Rahul Gandhi did not hold any position in the Indian National Congress.
• He was elected President of the Indian National Congress in December 2017, running unopposed.
• Rahul Gandhi holds a black belt in Aikido, a modern Japanese martial art, and was a college boxer.
• On July 21, 2018, during a speech in parliament, Rahul unexpectedly hugged PM Narendra Modi and winked towards party colleagues.
• During a visit to Singapore in 2018, a journalist questioned the development under his government (Congress Regimes).
• Social media often mocks him as ‘Pappu,’ a term first used by former cabinet minister Venkaiah Naidu in the Lok Sabha.

Economic Concerns and Critiques

Rahul Gandhi’s perspectives on economic issues were articulated during his address to the All India Congress Committee (AICC) in Jaipur. He emphasized the need to eliminate bureaucratic red tape and outdated laws hindering job creation. Gandhi criticized the economic policies of the Modi Government, asserting that they primarily favored a small group of billionaires, whom he referred to as “crony capitalists.” He specifically targeted Indian billionaire Gautam Adani, accusing the government of showing undue favoritism. Gandhi expressed concerns about the privatization of government assets and alleged collusion between the RSS and crony capitalists to influence India’s economic direction. Despite his critique, he clarified that he is not anti-business and advocates for fairness in economic policies. Gandhi vehemently disagreed with the privatization of Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) and vowed that Congress would prevent such measures if it came to power. Additionally, he linked the rising economic inequality to the Modi Government’s economic policies, referencing a report by Oxfam.

Critique of Demonetization

Rahul Gandhi’s stance on the Modi government’s demonetization initiative, which involved invalidating ₹500 and ₹1,000 banknotes, has been marked by strong criticism. Describing it as a “tragedy” and a “disaster,” Gandhi contends that the policy has adversely affected both the Indian economy and the lives of ordinary citizens. He accuses the government of implementing demonetization without sufficient planning, leading to substantial hardships for the poor and vulnerable segments of society.

Gandhi labels demonetization as a fundamental failure of policy design and alleges that it was a deliberate move by “PayPM” to benefit a select few billionaires, allowing them to monopolize the economy. Referring to demonetization as the country’s “biggest scam,” Gandhi consistently emphasizes these points in his public speeches and political rallies.

Furthermore, he argues that the policy failed to achieve its primary objectives of combating black money and curbing corruption. Gandhi contends that demonetization, executed without proper consultation with experts or opposition parties, resulted in significant disruptions for farmers, job losses in small and medium-sized businesses, and hardships for workers in the informal sector.

Advocacy for Environmental Concerns

Rahul Gandhi expresses deep concern regarding global environmental degradation, emphasizing the need to elevate these issues to the political forefront for the attention they deserve. Gandhi asserts that without becoming political focal points, environmental challenges may not receive the necessary consideration.

In particular, he critiques the draft of the 2020 Environment Impact Assessment (EIA), deeming it “dangerous” with potential harmful consequences in the long term. Gandhi characterizes this draft as a disaster, expressing the view that it could stifle the voices of communities directly impacted by environmental degradation.

Rahul Gandhi’s & Narendra Modi Rivalry

Rahul Gandhi and Narendra Modi are prominent political figures in India, representing two major political parties: The Indian National Congress (INC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), respectively.

The rivalry between Rahul Gandhi and Narendra Modi is a central aspect of Indian politics. Rahul Gandhi, scion of the Nehru-Gandhi family, has been associated with the Congress party for several generations. In contrast, Narendra Modi, a charismatic leader, rose through the ranks of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the BJP.

Their rivalry is characterized by ideological differences, with Rahul Gandhi often focusing on issues of social justice, inclusivity, and welfare programs, while Narendra Modi emphasizes economic development, national security, and a strong leadership approach.

The political battles between the Congress and the BJP, with Rahul and Modi as their respective faces, have been a defining feature of Indian elections. The competition has witnessed intense debates, contrasting policy proposals, and attempts to shape the narrative around governance, development, and the country’s future trajectory.

Note:- It’s important to note that the political landscape is dynamic, and the nature of this rivalry may evolve over time based on changing circumstances and political dynamics in India.

Rahul Gandhi’s Controversies

1. National Herald Corruption Case: Rahul Gandhi, along with other Congress leaders, faced accusations in the National Herald corruption case. However, in December 2020, the Delhi court dismissed a petition by Subramanian Swamy, stating there was no prima facie evidence of their involvement in any corruption conspiracy.

1. Hindu Extremism Comment (December 2010): In December 2010, Gandhi faced criticism for stating that Hindu extremism is more dangerous than Islamic militancy.
2. College Certificate Discrepancy (February 2014): Rahul Gandhi faced criticism when discrepancies were found in his college certificate regarding his name and date.
3. Rape Allegation (October 2012): He faced an allegation of rape in Uttar Pradesh in 2012, which was later dropped by the Supreme Court.
4. Poverty Statement (August 2013): Gandhi was criticized for stating that poverty is only a “state of mind” in August 2013.
5. Arrest for Protesting (May 2011): In May 2011, Rahul Gandhi was arrested for protesting against a highway project along with farmers at Bhatta Parsaul village.
6. UK Comment Row (March 2023): In March 2023, Rahul Gandhi was accused by the BJP of defaming India during an event in London where he sought foreign intervention to “save democracy” in India.
7. Remarks on Women Being Sexually Assaulted (March 2023): Delhi police served notice to Rahul Gandhi in March 2023 over his remarks on women being sexually assaulted during his Bharat Jodo Yatra in Jammu and Kashmir.
8. “Panauti” Remark on PM (November 2023): Gandhi faced controversy for referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a ‘panauti’ (ill omen) during an election rally in Rajasthan in November 2023.
9. Flying Kiss Controversy (August 9, 2023): During a Lok Sabha debate on August 9, 2023, Rahul Gandhi faced criticism for seemingly blowing a flying kiss towards the treasury benches, with Smriti Irani describing the behavior as misogynistic.

Rahul Gandhi: A Journey of Challenges and Triumphs

In the intricate tapestry of Indian politics, Rahul Gandhi emerges as a figure marked by both challenges and triumphs. Through the pages of his biography, one witnesses the evolution of a man navigating the complexities of family legacy, political controversies, and the demands of leadership. Rahul’s foray into politics, marked by a blend of criticism and acclaim, reflects the resilience of a leader who has weathered storms and remained a prominent force in Indian politics. His commitment to addressing social issues, economic policies, and environmental concerns showcases a man evolving with the times. Rahul Gandhi’s journey is a testament to the endurance required for leadership, making him a figure who has successfully carved his niche in the political landscape

Rahul Gandhi – Presence and Activity on Social Media.

Frequently Asked Questions