Rahul's boxing politics versus PM's solar strategy

Energy crisis debate exposes contrasting political styles between Rahul Gandhi and Narendra Modi.

- ALOK MEHTA NEW DELHI

Rahul Gandhi has been fond of boxing since childhood, and his political style often reflects that approach. In a boxing match, victory or defeat is decided quickly. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on the other hand, from his early years has practised Surya Namaskar, drawing strength calmly over time and focusing on long-term benefits.

Today, as the war in West Asia triggers a global energy crisis—particularly affecting petroleum and gas supplies—Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party have been creating considerable uproar both inside and outside Parliament. In the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi spoke briefly about petrol and gas prices but then began raising unrelated issues involving the United States, ministerial families and alleged pressure on India. When the Speaker did not permit him to continue along those lines, he joined the protests. Outside Parliament, Congress leaders staged a sit-in while casually sipping tea at the gates.

Rahul Gandhi also alleged in television sound bites that the Modi government had failed to prepare any policy or arrangements in advance to deal with an energy crisis. However, Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri presented a detailed statement assuring that there is no shortage of petrol or gas and that the government has arrangements in place to tackle the crisis, including crude oil import agreements with around 40 countries.

Rahul Gandhi has been a Member of Parliament for nearly 22 years, including 10 years during which his own party led the government. During that period, how often did he raise energy policy issues inside or outside Parliament? Did he ever prioritise solar energy—the cheapest and potentially free source of power—and urge governments to adopt it on a large scale?