Can Rahul Gandhi lead India? Tharoor, Guha lock horns over experience vs leadership

A public debate has broken out between Congress MP Shashi Tharoor and historian Ramachandra Guha over Rahul Gandhi's credentials to become India's Prime Minister, with both men presenting sharply different views on what qualifies a leader for the country's top job.

The exchange began after Guha, in an interview with The Wire, questioned whether Gandhi possesses the experience required to lead the country during major national or international crises.

The historian argued that many voters, including some who oppose the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP), remain unconvinced about Gandhi's ability to govern because he lacks administrative and ministerial experience. Guha also suggested that Gandhi's political record does not offer enough evidence that he could effectively handle the responsibilities of the Prime Minister's office.

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Tharoor points to Obama and PM Modi

Responding on X, Tharoor defended his party colleague and said Guha was placing too much emphasis on conventional experience.

The Congress leader cited former US President Barack Obama, noting that he was a first-term senator with limited foreign policy experience before becoming president. Tharoor also referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, questioning how much international exposure he had before moving from Gujarat's chief minister's office to the national stage in 2014.

"Rahul Gandhi has led a national party for a dozen years," Tharoor wrote, adding that modern governments rely on teams of advisers and experts rather than the experience of a single individual.

Guha responds with electoral record

Guha, however, remained unconvinced and responded by focusing on the Congress party's performance under Gandhi's leadership.

He argued that the central issue was not administrative experience but Gandhi's political track record. According to Guha, Congress has seen its influence decline significantly over the past decade, with the party's presence in state governments shrinking and its tally of legislators falling sharply.

The historian questioned whether Gandhi should be held accountable for the party's electoral setbacks and suggested that Congress could consider projecting a leader with proven ministerial or chief ministerial experience as its prime ministerial face.

The exchange has rekindled discussions about what qualities are most important in a national leader. While Tharoor argues that leadership extends beyond a traditional resume, Guha maintains that political performance and proven governance experience remain key benchmarks for anyone aspiring to lead the country.