Transform the system but after serious thoughts; says Rahul Gandhi

A day after being appointed as Congress vice president, Rahul Gandhi on Sunday promised to transform the system, address the impatient anger of its youth and bring change.

Amid loud applauds from a hall full of party workers in Jaipur, Rahul Gandhi outlined the coming challenges in a country that is rapidly modernizing, that has an assertive middle class that wants to change the old ways of doing politics, and in which more than two-thirds of its billion-plus people are young.

 “The voices of a billion Indians are today telling us that they want a greater say in government, in politics and administration. They are telling us that the course of their lives cannot be decided by a handful of people behind closed doors who are not fully accountable to them,” Rahul Gandhi said, speaking about the increasing push among Indians for a more participatory style of decision-making. “They are telling us that India’s governmental system is stuck in the past. It has become a system that robs people of their voice.”

Rahul Gandhi said that the answer isn’t in running the old system better, but in “completely transforming” it.  “Why is our youth angry? Why are they out on the street? They are angry because they are alienated, they are excluded from the political class,” Rahul Gandhi said referring to the ivory-tower lifestyles of India’s politicians.

“There is a young and impatient India, and it is demanding a greater voice in the nation’s future,” he cautioned.

However, the maiden speech after taking over the new post in his party, Rahul Gandhi sent out a clear warning. There will not be any paratroopers as candidates in the party and strong actions will be taken against the rebels. Yes, a positive signal for the party and for the nation.