Rahul Gandhi has done two tours of Tamil Nadu, one of Assam and of course, Kerala. But it is Bengal which has so far remained untouched and this is where the dilemma of the Congress arises.
Sailing in two boats is never easy but if you have to do it in politics, it’s considered an art. Sources in Bengal Congress say that as an MP from Kerala where it’s a fierce fight with the Left in the upcoming polls, an alliance with the Left in Bengal is tough enough to explain but to be seen sharing the stage with them will be tougher. The Left has invited Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi for a rally on February 28 in Bengal but so far, no decision has been taken.
One solution that is being looked at is to send Priyanka Gandhi for a couple of tours, with Rahul Gandhi being used sparingly. This, Bengal Congress feels, could shield Rahul Gandhi for whom a Kerala win is critical. If after losing Amethi, Congress loses in god’s own country, it would be detrimental for Rahul Gandhi’s reputation and…