Kozhikode, Jan 18: A "fifth-generation dynast" Rahul Gandhi has no chance in Indian politics against a "hard-working and self-made" Narendra Modi, and Kerala did a disastrous thing by electing the the Congress leader to Parliament, historian Ramachandra Guha said here on Friday.
Guha said the reduction of the Congress from a "great party" during the freedom movement to a "pathetic family firm" now is one of the reasons for the ascendency of Hindutva and jingoism in India.
"I have nothing against Rahul Gandhi personally. He is a decent fellow, very well-mannered. But young India does not want a fifth-generation dynast. If you Malyalis make the mistake of re-electing Rahul Gandhi in 2024 too, you are merely handing over an advantage to Narendra Modi," said Guha on the second day of the ongoing Kerala Literature Festival (KLF) during his talk, "Patriotism Vs Jingoism".
Addressing the crowd, full of Keralites, he said, "Kerala, you have done many wonderful things for India, but one of the disastrous thing you did was to elect Rahul Gandhi to Parliament."
"Narendra Modi's great advantage is that he is not Rahul Gandhi. He is self-made. He has run a state for 15 years, he has an administrative experience, he is incredibly hard working and he never takes holidays in Europe. Believe me I am saying all this in all seriousness," he said.
But, even if Rahul Gandhi was "much more intelligent, more hard-working, never took a holiday in Europe, as a fifth generation dynast he still will be at a disadvantage against a self-made person", the 61-year-old author said.
He took on Congress president Sonia Gandhi too who, he said, reminded him of the "late Mughal dynasty" and how aloof they were of the state of their kingdom.
"India is becoming more democratic and less feudal, and the Gandhis just don't realise this. You (Sonia) are in Delhi, your kingdom is shrinking more and more but still your chamchas (sycophants) are telling you that you are still the badshah," he said.
Further, he quoted his teacher and noted Indian sociologist Andre Beteille to describe the story of Nehru-Gandhi family as a classic "reversal of the famous Biblical injunction": the sins of the father will be visited upon seven successive generations.
"In the Nehru's case, it is the sins of the seven successive generations have been re-visited upon Nehru... look at the national debate today. Why is Nehru evoked everytime? Why does Modi always say Nehru ne Kashmir mein yeh kiya, China mein yeh kiya, Triple Talaq mein yeh kiye ... because Rahul Gandhi is there.
"Now if Rahul Gandhi disappears, Modi has to talk about his own policies and why they failed," he said.
According to Guha, "Hypocrisy of the Indian Left -- the fact that they loved other nations more than India", "rise of aggressive nationalism worldwide" and "the rise of Islamic fundamentalism in neighbouring countries" are some other reasons behind the evident leap of Hindutva in India in the recent times.
Historian William Dalrymple, novelists like Benyamin, Namita Gokhale, Chetan Bhagat and journalists Karan Thapar and Rajdeep Sardesai are among the many other writers who will be attending the four-day festival.
The focus theme of KLF 2020 is environment and climate change.
Comments
If you read the History of Meelad un Nabie (Sallallaho Alaih-e-Wassalam) The biggest and the most grand Meelad was celebrated by Allah Ta'ala so from where it became bidat to rejoice on the birth day of Our Beloved Prophrt Sallallaho Alaih-e-Wasalam)? Be happy dont cry bidah like the shaitaan.
Kind words/Kind behavior is for non Muslims/Momins not for the Munafiqs who oppose Mouludunnabi and ask for the proof to celebrate the Moulood, for those Munafiqs Allah Subhan wa Ta'ala has used some words in Quran Surah Al Qalam Verse 13
When Allah Almighty has used those words we are following the Quran there is no harm in using those words for a Munafiq.
Mr. Sayed Kaleem, please use kind words on one another....this is what it is lacking in Muslims....they think superior to one another....if you can try to convince others with your comments with nice words.....try to be a good person first....
Surah Al Ma'idah Verse 114
Surah Al Duha Verse 11
Surah Al Fatha Verse 28
Surah Al Saf Verse 6
Surah Touba Verse 128
Surah Aal E Imaran Verse 164
Surah Al Yunus Verse 57/58
Surah Al Anbiya Verse 107
O Blind , when did you read the Quran? Are you Munafiqs? go back to Quran search for the above ayas
There is no aya in Quraan or any hadeeth which says date or celebrate prophet's birthday. People who dont read tafseer of Quraan do this kind of foolish things to show other religions dat we are not united. There is no one such incident where sahabas have celebrated Rasool's birthday.Guys please wake up & read Quraan wit Tasfeer & follow authentic Hadeeth...May Allah give Hidaya to these people who have taken wrong path by themselves
No Comments/Objection for any Muslim sponsoring cricket tournament and spending lacks of rupees with half naked women dancing on the stage, No question/Objection for the Muslim youths wearing uniform and playing cricket spending their time on the ground why you munafiqs have not questioned, No Objection/Comments on those Muslim college students protesting on the street and blocking the roads and damaging the Goverment Properties and blocking the the roads were many people are serious need to go to hospitals.
why only when the celebration is only for the Milad of the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wassallam.
the above question is for all the Munafiqs who object the Celebration of the Mouludunnabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam.
Moulud or Milad is Prophet's (PBAUH) birthday, which is being celebrated every 3rd month 12th day of the Hijra year... but why moulanas asking people to celebrate it throughout the year....I did not get it....like if there is happiness or sadness or grief they ask people to celebrate birthday of prophet (PBAUH)...no clue....
When a cricket tournament is organized by a muslim sponsor in which half naked women dance on the stage those money spent is not questioned from this idiots, they have problem when a Milad rally is organised where people gather and send Salaath on the beloved Rasool of Allah.
This is very much clear that those who oppose the Milad rally are munafiqs.
Warafa'na Laka zikrak. Rahega yunhi unka charcha rahega, padey khaak ho jaye jaljaney waaley.
U people are blocking the road. Where many people who are serious may have to go to hospital.
We all love our beloved prophet. Don't trouble others during that day.
Many countries giving holiday NOT to celebrate on streets.
Giving zakat to poor is the best celebration.
Sure.. Miskeens will be wholeheartedly invited for my milad to enjoy free biryani..
EID Milad un nabi (SAW) Mubarak Ho for all Momin
FOR ALL THOSE PEOPLE WHO INSIST FOR CHARITY TO POOR PEOPLE RATHER THAN SPENDING FOR MILADUNNABI
PLEASE IMPLEMENT A SYSTEM IN YOUR LIFE AND FAMILY THAT ANY MARRIAGE FROM UR FAMILY WILL BE SIMPLE, AVOID MARRIAGE HALL, AVOID DECORATION, AVOID MEHENDI FUNCTION, AND DONT CELEBRATE BIRTHDAY OF UR KIDS, SPOUSE, BROTHER, SISTER ETC, DONT CELEBRATE THE MARRIAGE ANNIVERSSARY.
INSTEAD DO CHARITY.
FIRST OF ALL EVALUATE YOURSELF AND DETACH FROM ALL THESE DEEDS, THEN COMMENT......
Mr. Salman, when is your milad????
Why don't our Muslim community use brain instead of following the Misguided ulema or grand fathers....
Biddath Mubarak to all Laddu's
Mr.Salman Bhai .u r absolutely right....
Mr. A, FYI, our community is supporting all poor people when it's required at any time and it's not limited to our festivals. Let's them enjoy their day, and don't spit venom...
Happy miladunnabi to fellow muslims...
Very unfortunate. ignorant community celebrating our beloved prophet's death day. which is Rabi Alawwal 12. In Lillahi wa inna ilahi raajioon. Ee qoum eppa sudarra?
What a moment... Jab tak hai jaan... Insha Allah jaroor manayenge eid e milad.. Thanks CD for the coverage n waiting for today's evening procession coverage.
Instead of spending huge money for uniforms , why cant you donate cloths to poor children in the remote area during the birthday of prophet mohammed ??? To whom you wants to show road rally?? why all this celeberations?? There is no birthday celeberations in Islam.
If you want to celeberate Milad, celeberate like Eid ul Fitr and Eid ul Adha when charity is the important order from prophet these two days.
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