Gainer and loser

Modi's muscular criticisms of the United Progressive Alliance's record in power at every election rally may make Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders happy. But Congress leaders are left confounded by the recent tactics of Modi's rival and party Vice-President Rahul Gandhi and those select few considered close to him. A while back there was much debate in Congress circles on whether Gandhi had actually said that he was willing to lose the 2014 elections in the longer-term interest of creating a dedicated voter base. Many had dismissed such talk as baseless rumour. However, Rural Development Minister and Gandhi confidant Jairam Ramesh's recent remarks appear to have given credence to it. Ramesh shocked many when he said, "If Modi loses 2014, his bubble is burst, while Rahul Gandhi in comparison will still be around." BJP spokespeople jumped on the remark. "Even before the battle has started, the Congress has practically conceded defeat," crowed BJP's Prakash Javadekar, leaving an embarrassed Congress to feebly defend itself.