Rahul Gandhi like an inept student: Obama

(Rahul Gandhi Twitter)
Former US president offers scathing critique in his new book 'Promised Land'.
Former US president Barack Obama in his memoir has likened Indian opposition figure Rahul Gandhi to a hapless student, in biting commentary on the dynastic scion who twice led his party to crushing defeats.
In the book, "Promised Land," which comes out Tuesday, Obama writes that Gandhi has "a nervous, unformed quality about him, as if he were a student who'd done the coursework and was eager to impress the teacher but deep down lacked either the aptitude or the passion to master the subject," according to a review in The New York Times.
Gandhi led the Indian National Congress party in 2014 and 2019 general elections, which both resulted in decisive victories by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party.
Gandhi, 50, has long struggled to combat perceptions that he is not interested in becoming prime minister, a position held by his grandmother Indira Gandhi and father Rajiv Gandhi, both of whom were assassinated.
He spent his younger years studying and working in the United States and Britain before returning to India with expectations of guiding Congress, the party that has led India through most of its years since independence.
Gandhi has aggressively attacked Modi's government on charges of fanning communalism and favouring business interests, but commentators have often described him as not being a natural politician.
He stepped down from the helm of the Congress party after last election debacle but his mother, Sonia Gandhi, remains its president.
Obama in his book offered a more positive assessment of another Congress figure, former Indian prime minister Manmohan Singh, a mild-mannered economist whom Obama has also praised publicly.
Gandhi is not the only international figure on the receiving end of colourful prose by Obama, according to the review.
He describes France's flashy former president Nicolas Sarkozy as having "his chest thrust out like a bantam cock's."
-
Americas
Two National Guard pulled from Biden inauguration ...
One official said possibly more than two Guard members could be... READ MORE
-
Americas
Trump awards US Legion of Merit to Bahrain King...
King Hamad lauds partnership with US, stresses commitment to... READ MORE
-
Coronavirus Pandemic
Russia's second Covid vaccine '100% effective':...
Russian President Putin has ordered mass vaccinations to start this... READ MORE
-
Rest of Asia
Meghan Markle trying to stop privacy case going...
Lawyers say publishing her letters is an assault on "her private and... READ MORE
-
Coronavirus Pandemic
Dubai announces new Covid safety rules: Full list
Dubai authorities tighten rules to keep residents, tourists safe from ... READ MORE
-
Coronavirus Pandemic
UAE: Compulsory Covid tests expanded to include...
Ministry of Education also issues salary cut warnings to those... READ MORE
-
Coronavirus Pandemic
Global Covid travel curbs: UAE passengers impacted
Countries have tightened safety measures over new, more infectious... READ MORE
-
Weather
UAE weather alert: Dusty conditions reduce...
Dubai's RTA offers tips to drive safely amid unfavourable weather... READ MORE





