RAHUL RAJIV GANDHI

Rahul Rajiv Gandhi, born on 19th June, 1970, is a prominent Indian politician and a key figure in the Indian National Congress (INC). As a member of the Lok Sabha for Rae Bareli, Uttar Pradesh, since June 2024, he has held significant positions, including the 12th Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha. Gandhi's political journey includes representing various constituencies, such as Wayanad in Kerala from 2019 to 2024 and Amethi in Uttar Pradesh from 2004 to 2019. He served as the INC's party president from December 2017 to July 2019 and currently chairs the Indian Youth Congress and the National Students Union of India. Additionally, he is a trustee of the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation and the Rajiv Gandhi Charitable Trust.

Born into the illustrious Nehru-Gandhi family in New Delhi, Rahul Gandhi's early life was marked by a blend of privilege and challenges. He spent his formative years between Delhi and Dehradun, attending The Doon School before being home-schooled due to security concerns. Gandhi began his higher education at St. Stephen's College in Delhi but moved to Harvard University and later to Rollins College in Florida due to heightened security threats following his father's assassination. He completed his undergraduate degree in 1994 and subsequently earned an M.Phil. from Trinity College, Cambridge, in 1995.

Gandhi's professional career began at the Monitor Group, a management consulting firm in London. He later returned to India to establish Backops Services Private Ltd, a technology outsourcing firm based in Mumbai. His foray into politics came in 2004 when he contested and won a seat in the Lok Sabha from Amethi, marking the start of a notable political career.

Throughout his career, Gandhi has been actively involved in various parliamentary committees, including those on Home Affairs, Human Resource Development, External Affairs, Finance, Corporate Affairs, and Defence. His leadership in the INC was particularly significant during the 2014 and 2019 general elections, although the party faced substantial losses during these periods. Despite these setbacks, Gandhi played a crucial role in the Bharat Jodo Yatra and the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, which were instrumental in reviving the INC's status as the Official Opposition in 2024.

Rahul Gandhi's political career is not without controversies. He faced legal challenges in the National Herald case, involving allegations of financial irregularities, and his remarks have often sparked political debates. Despite these challenges, Gandhi has been a steadfast advocate for various causes, including youth engagement, women's empowerment, and environmental sustainability. He has been vocal against policies he perceives as benefiting a select few at the expense of the broader population, such as demonetization and certain privatization initiatives.

The Bharat Jodo Yatra, led by Gandhi from 2022 to 2023, aimed to foster national unity and garnered substantial support for the INC across India. This extensive campaign covered over 4,000 kilometers and involved engaging with citizens on crucial issues like economic development and social justice.

Rahul Gandhi's political career continues to evolve, with his commitment to fostering national unity and addressing the pressing issues facing India.

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