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Sanjay Jha

Columnist, author, cricket enthusiast

Feb 23, 2012 | Closed

Will the UP polls prove to be Rahul Gandhi's moment of reckoning?

what would be the three things that rahul gandhi should emulate from his father? Asked by: akshay
Hard work, visionary, with the poor
Do you think BJP will put up a good show vis-a vis Congress ? Asked by: Sahil Jha
BJP is struggling
Win or lose ow can you fault a person who is prepared to come out of his comfort zone and risk failure? Asked by: kamal agg
I agree, well said
Respected mr sanjay jha, i have been watching mr rahul gandhi's campaign regularly on the television and have been following uttar pradesh politics for quite some time. He is hard working and have raised the right issues that are really matter to the people living in India's most populous state. Will they overcome their caste and religious feelings to give Congress a chance for the change or will they remain what they have been for the last 22 years? Asked by: mu.natarajan
I am really confident. I hope so
Do you think Congress govt. suitable and eligible to run this big country like India.Please tell honestly Asked by: pritamghosh4158
100%
Sanjayji do you think the old congessmen will accept Rahul as their leader if Congress performs well.Does he have full support within the party? Asked by: googly
RG is the leader of the future
Why are you so supportive of congress even though ground realties are against them, media is also partial in supproting conggress to an exten. Once results are out, how are you going to justify congress decimal performance? Asked by: Aditya
Its faith.
What happens if BJP comes as a ruling party? Asked by: pritamghosh4158
Unlikely. I have only 5 more mins to go, so I will do my best to answer as amny as I can. But thanks, you all have been great. Really enjoyed this interaction. See you again
Shouldn't cong sit in opp and work for future rather doing otherwise? Asked by: kamal agg
It has done so in the past . Been a good responsible opposition
Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi says his fight is not for any post but to take the voice of the people to the government. Which Type of Govt.? Did he is not aware the Result & reality of coalition politics? Asked by: ALOK KUMAR SINGH
To the leaders who can implement change
Your supporting the most corrupt govt...I don't agree with your view.. Asked by: pritamghosh4158
I appreciate your opinion though.
I think you are supporter of congress. Asked by: tarun
I am. Unlike others I carry my political leanings on my shoulder badge
I consider taking the political and social set up of India, Congress is a better party to rule. And all the states should get Congress governments once in 10 years at least (like in Kerala). Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar are unlucky ones at the moment. Will UP turn around or will it remain the same? Asked by: mu.natarajan
Expect a turnaround.
what abt corruption and loot being done since independence from congress Asked by: virenv
This UPA govt has taken issues head-on.
BJP may not be able to retain the 50 odd seats they won last time that is ur belief. recently seen in Mumbai election and his president Asked by: virenv
BMC elections different
Will BJP counter Rahul ji with Varun, or Vajpayee ? Asked by: Ajey
BJP has a leadership-deficit
Will the UP polls prove to be Rahul Gandhi's moment of reckoning? Asked by: Naveen Chauhan
HE is already got other issues to work on. Gujarat is due for elections in Dec 2012
You said RG is excellent leader? Do you mean anyone who only shows up during poll time is an excellent leader? Asked by: mady
See his recordin UP
Will Anna factor play any role in UP election?? what do you think?? Asked by: Naveen Chauhan
I believe Team Anna have campaigned, quietly for the BJP
what will ballot effect of RAHUL+ uma(new entrant)+ +anna=? Asked by: Haldane Paul
Wait for a few more days
Sir, In your opinion what do you think is the approximate number of seats congress will get in UP and also in which other states is Congress expected to come to power? And the ramifications of these on Central politics(read Mamata Bannerjee)? Asked by: Keshav Prasad
Congress will win Punjab, Uttarakand, and lead in UP
Do you have political allegiance if yes then which party? Asked by: mady
I support the Congress party as an independent entity
is bjp-bsp alliance a far possibility? Asked by: sandy
Unlikely. they will be 3rd , 4th
whats your prediction for UP? Asked by: Kenneth
Will wait for March 6th. But a Congress resurgence on the cards
What is wrong if Anna takes RSS suppoort? They are also citizens of India. Asked by: Suhas
Then say-so. Why pretend?
three qualities from his father that he should emulate? Asked by: akshay
He is like his father; hardworking, visionary, worries about the poor
your answer look's like ur pro-congress, are you? Asked by: shishira mohan p
I believe in Congress party's secular ideology
20 % food inflation ,commonwealth ,insult of constitutional body ,loot of 1.76 lac crore Asked by: virenv
India is in good health, rest assured
What effect anna movement will have on up election Asked by: rajiv
I heard Team Anna is campaigning with RSS support. Corruption has always been a issue
Varun Gandhi or Rahul Gandhi?? what is your choice?? Asked by: Naveen Chauhan
Varun Gandhi needs to apologize for hsi remarks against Muslims in the last elections
Even if people dont want dynasty politics, Rahul is our only hope for having a younger prime minister. Do u agree? Asked by: Ranjith
People vote. This dynasty thing is now cliched
why is rahul gandhi so media-shy?? Asked by: akshay
He is been interacting at various times during the campaign. Held a presser at Benares
why Election comission does not disqualify the ticket of candidates on whom so much case are still runing . and one of the example is BSP Party which genrally gives ticket to candidates who even are not littriate...?? Asked by: vikas
Electoral reforms is evolving
Vajpayee or Rahul Gandhi, who is the mass leader ? Asked by: Sarthak
Both are mass=leaders.
Will RG win the elections because of his personal charisma or his support base ? Will Congress play kingmaker ? Asked by: Ajey
Many other factors; also, the people of UP want CHANGE
Rahul doenst have any vision for this country and this congress people have sold this country for the many years since independence Asked by: virenv
That is just oppoistion political-speak
what wud be the lesson for RG and congress if they defeated in this poll Asked by: virenv
What is defeat? Even if in govt, you have to work to win over those who did not support you through good work
what is Bjp position in up after election does Bjp gain this election? Asked by: mahadev
BJP may not be able to retain the 50 odd seats they won last time
why in these election Poitical parties has given right to advertise their Party name and to appeal from public to vote them on television or any electrical mode?? is it correct ?? \ Asked by: vikas
EC has done an excellent job.
we dont want at all congresss sonia and RG for the betterment of this country Asked by: virenv
Come on! RG is an excellent leader for a young India
What do you think Congress will be on No 3 or No 4 ? Asked by: Pradeep
1 or 2. There are no other options
RG's efforts have been outstanding. Results will show u too but wht wud be the lessons for congress and you and RG Asked by: virenv
Stick to your beliefs
Are you paid money to praise COngress ? What about SP ? Asked by: Sarthak
No!
BJP or Congress, who will be number 3 ? Asked by: Sarthak
BSP maybe
BJP or Congress ? Asked by: Sarthak
Congress, the country needs to be secular in all times
Sanjayji, The quota issue do you think it has been overdone or was it part of the strategy. Asked by: googly
It is nothing new actually.
The so called Lokpal bill is still under debate and the reason why they drafted so fastly was to get rid of Team Anna and Ram Dev, dont you think urban voters will reject Congress for BJP? Asked by: Aditya
Lok Pal bill should be passedin the budget session
Which party do you totally don't support or would not advice to vote in this UP election?? Asked by: Narad Muni
BSP had a super chance, they blew it. They need to sit in opposition
Given the kind of governance at the centre,how Rahul can claim that they can govern and deliver in UP. After 8yrs of rule at the centre can one assume that congress has forgotten how to rule? Asked by: sanjiv
UPA has been a transparent govt, good GDP growth ; of course, coalition govts have intrinsic limitations
we have seen enough of congress governance , non UPA governance is far better than Congress and corrupt free Asked by: virenv
Dont agree. India Shining was a ruse
How can they replace TMC with SP? Wont they lose BSP? Asked by: kamal agg
They are all allies
why Congress is playing minority card, if they are soley foccus on the growth & development of state? Asked by: manesh
Minorities need upliftment. Period. Let us not get cyncial and politicize everything
i think sanjay jha has gone to save congress in UP Asked by: virenv
Ha ha! Good one! I am here
I dont think rahul has an opinion or personality of his own. He ssems to be contolled by the senior pseudo intellectuals of the party. Why this talk if muslim quota and implementation of sachar report at time of elections.? Also what are the credentials of robert vadera apart from him being son in law of congress. The nation is a family buisness for the gandhi family. Asked by: kishore s
RG has democratised Youth COngress.
Scams after scams have already been set the ground for 2014 Asked by: virenv
Sorry folks, the system was hanging. I am aorund. Will answer ALL qs. Scams will see justice, guilty will be punished
Greetings Sanjay, DOnt you think corruption will be an issue for the urban voters. Isnt it congress cahnce on urban seats is less compared to rural. Does BJP has any advantage on urban seats? Asked by: Aditya
Agree Corruption is a big issue. It ought to be. But UPA needs to be given credit for Lok Pal.
The Congress will do its best in the last 20 years this year. That is feeling one gets from the media that. The only question that seems to be there is, whether they will finish third or second. This is the biggest set of Polls for them as it can have lot of impact on the alliances at the center. Your Views Asked by: Narayanan S
Dont forget, this election will set the ground for 2014 as well.
Sanjayji, Is rahul gandhi making UP his prestige issue, what if does not do well? He has done all the right things and surely must be very optimistic. Asked by: googly
RG's efforts have been outstanding. Results will show that
What is the prospect of Congress till the 5th Phase of voting? Asked by: sidhu
Hugely optimistic
Why is capturing UP SO IMPORTANT for Congress? Asked by: ganesh
UP has had awful govts for years, post-Ayodhya, Mandal agitatins. It needs to get focused on growth and development
Can you predict who will form the Govt. in up?Thanks Asked by: pritamghosh4158
I will leave that to Mr Bejan Daruwalla. But expect a huge positive upswing from the COngress
Sanjayji If Congess wins should RG have a short stint as CM before asking someone suitable to take over. Asked by: googly
There are good candidates with strong locsl understanding of what people need in UP
Do you think RG should speak to the media and give interviews. In your mind what kind of a person is he ? If UP shows 100 + seats for congress do you think he would have proved that he should be the PM candidate for 2014 elections? What is your personal view? Asked by: Karan Bhasin
All of RG's speeches are public, televised. If you are talking of one on ones, I am sure he is equally eager to do that
Do you see a potential alliace with SP and Congress to form the goverment in the state and then SP gives support to the UPA in the center with Madame Mamta asked to leave? Is this situation possible? Asked by: Karan Bhasin
Early days. Post March 6th, one can look at options. But Congress will make significant strides
Will rahul Gandhi be the CM of UP if he wins ? Asked by: Ajey Karthik
Most unlikely. There are big challenges, COngress needs to strengthen ground base in many states
why Rahul is showing so much mercy only in north india if he is true then why he does not visit to south india is it real potician who is playing a game at time of election.................. Asked by: vikas
UP is a challenge. He did campaign in Kerala, TN too. Rest assured, a national approach to issues
If Rahul Really Want development of Uttar Pradesh/ India Why not they proposed a Single Party formula, ( I mean h mein Kewal Chuni huie Pariyaan)? Asked by: ALOK KUMAR SINGH
You have to factor in the reality of coalition politics. And then work towrds getting a majority or close to it
I dont think Rahul Gandhi can prove something by doing all these. He is just doing what his mother asks him to do.. Its all fake, He just goes there before election rest of the time. Where he lost round the year?? Asked by: Neha
Far from it. RG has demonstrated that he is into brasstacks. No cosmetic gains
Do you think the BJP's revival of Mr. Vajpayee will reap it any dividend ? How strong is the pull of Vajpayee, even after so many years ? Furthermore, If Mr.Rahul Gandhi doesn't make it will it be the end of him ? Asked by: Ajey Karthik
RG is a long-distance runner. The marathon man.
Rahul has put too much stake in the UP election. While the election is in Five states he is acting as though it is to Happen only at UP. He has downgraded himself to regional level from the national level.Don't you thimk that the person who is being touted as PM in waiting should not have made it look that he is a regional player. ? Asked by: sundar1950in
UP is got 200 mln people; serious poverty, major woes. Needs attention. Politically divided on grounds of religion, caste. It needs attention. RG is giving it the respect it deserves
SANJAY it is a wishful thinking. Rahul is not a candidate for the CM post of UPA. Henc ehow do you expect the UPites to respond to him. The response will be - Rahul is a well meaning person BUT the Congress has no leader in UP who will rule it well. Asked by: sundar1950in
Agree, you need a good local head to lead the government. But options emerge; there are some good people who have got ticket
With all the campaigning that Rahul has done, do you think the magic will show or is it going to be a result which will be determined by the Thekedars and Sarpanchs and Mukhiyas as they play a critical role in influencing the deep rural parts of UP. Are they still on BSP's side with the strong dictator like rule which mdame has. Asked by: Karan Bhasin
In UP, with 4 parties, it will be a close contest. Margins could be small. But I suspect a big anti-Mayawati factor. Congress will bethe net gainer
Sir, do you think Rahul Gandhi has matured enough over the past,say 5 years, that he can be considered for reckoning? Asked by: Shyam Vadalker
Oh yes! Being with the people, you get the feel of ground realities.
In a nightmare scenario if congress wins UP (GOD save hindus then), gandhi shoe licking congies and the media will say "Hail Rahul". if congress lose UP then the congies will take the blame on their head and save the "tall Leader". what do you think? Asked by: anand
RG is in this for the long haul. You win some, you lose some.
Hi Sanjay jha, I have always admired you articualtion and the skill to debate on various topics ranging from politics to cricket , with the most balances views Yes . indeed this is Rahul's moment of reckoning as he has spent his time, sweat and labour for more than a year now to campaign for congress. In one of my earlier chat on IBN live J had predicted 100-150 seats for congress if Rahul and priyanka campaign in entire UP. I still stand by it Asked by: T R Aravind
Insha Allah why not and more ? UP needs a DRASTIC change! Huge potential. Governance and growth-- key issues
No question of reckoning of Mr. Gandhi & Congress in UP election. Asked by: Tarin De
RG has worked tirelessly for UP not just for this election but since 2004
If congress wins, it is Rahul, else it is party to be blamed. Rahul is criss crossing the state to salvage the damage his own party has done over the years, but his stoic silence on most of the matters concerning the nation and his experience of BIHAR show that it is expecting too much from him at this state. Asked by: s eshwar
RG is leading the charge, but this is a test for the COngress overall, not just one person. A collective effort
Sir,what is your estimate of seats for various main parties in the up poll.If seat estimation is not possible then atleat give me vote percentage Asked by: m.a.jawahar
The party should move its percentage polled of votes to at least 22-23%