For over two decades, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has effectively wielded the narrative of historical injustice, regional neglect, and exclusive leadership as his political arsenal. From his tenure as Gujarat&rsquo;s Chief Minister to his national rise in 2014, Modi has framed himself as the champion of Gujarat&rsquo;s overlooked potential and India&rsquo;s newfound global strength post-2014. Now, Leader of Opposition and Congress scion Rahul Gandhi appears to be deploying the same tactics&mdash;only with a different focus.
At a recent event addressing Dalit influencers, Rahul Gandhi acknowledged that the Congress had failed Dalits and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in the 1990s, a rare moment of introspection. He claimed that mere political representation was insufficient and called for greater participation of these communities in institutions and wealth distribution. His words echoed Modi&rsquo;s longstanding rhetoric&mdash;portraying himself as the lone crusader rectifying historical wrongs.
Modi&rsquo;s early political strategy in Gujarat revolved around claims that the state had been neglected by past governments, its cultural and economic contributions sidelined. He used this to rally Gujarati pride, creating a perception that his leadership was essential to restoring the state&rsquo;s lost glory. This narrative continued at the national level when Modi assumed power in 2014, asserting that India was only recognized on the world stage after his leadership began.
Now, Rahul Gandhi is taking a similar approach. He asserted that Congress had lost the confidence of Dalits and OBCs after the 1990s and that their disunity allowed the BJP and RSS to gain ground. By admitting past mistakes and pledging an internal revolution within Congress, Gandhi is positioning himself as the only leader who truly understands and represents these marginalized communities.
His message was clear: &ldquo;During Indira Gandhi&rsquo;s time, the Congress enjoyed the full trust of Dalits, minorities, and backwards. But after the 1990s, there were shortcomings. This reality must be accepted.&rdquo; Gandhi went further, claiming that once the Congress regains its original base, the BJP and RSS will be forced to &ldquo;run away.&rdquo;
This is strikingly similar to Modi&rsquo;s past statements about Gujarat&rsquo;s development and India&rsquo;s resurgence under his leadership. Modi claimed Gujarat&rsquo;s potential had been overlooked until he took charge, just as Gandhi now claims that Dalits and OBCs were sidelined until he acknowledged the issue. Both leaders frame themselves as the ones who will rectify past injustices, strengthen the neglected, and take the nation forward.
Gandhi&rsquo;s new approach signals a tactical shift. Instead of simply attacking Modi&rsquo;s governance, he is adopting Modi&rsquo;s own playbook&mdash;turning history, identity politics, and a narrative of injustice into a tool for political mobilization. Whether this will yield electoral success remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Rahul Gandhi has begun to speak the language that made Modi a political force to reckon with.

Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi campaigning in Delhi elections

Rahul Gandhi Adopts Modi’s Playbook: History, Injustice, and Championing the Marginalized

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Rahul Gandhi Adopts Modi’s Playbook: History, Injustice, and Championing the Marginalized

January 31, 2025 | 10:30 IST