 "Industry floored, as Rahul promises more")
28 years ago, it was his father, former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, who had made a big impression with his first address to business and industry at an event of the Association of Indian Engineering Industry, as the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) was previously known, on March 22, 1985, recalled former CII chief mentor Tarun Das.
“Listening to Rahul Gandhi today, there was a sense of nostalgia,” said Das, after the Congress vice-president made his debut at an industry forum, speaking at the CII annual general meeting. “The quality of his thought and understanding were outstanding. There is new (found) respect and admiration for him.”
Unlike his father, who came into office abruptly after the assassination of Indira Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi already has experience of politics, if not government, reasoned Godrej Group Chairman and CII President Adi Godrej.
“Rajiv was quieter, Rahul is more expressive and in the future, his involvement will increase,” he added, “But the period is very different, and between the two, there are probably more differences than similarities.”
Godrej admitted he had been impressed by, and agreed with, the “enunciation” of Gandhi’s vision for inclusive growth at the Congress scion’s first large interaction with industry members. “Growth has to be inclusive. It can add to the acceleration of growth,” he added.
By and large, India Inc was floored. “This was important. It has captivated 90 per cent of the people here, if not more,” said Bajaj Group Chairman Rahul Bajaj, “And over and above what they know about him, they have (now) got a new view of Rahul Gandhi.”
Bharti Group chairman Sunil Mittal, who was mentioned by Gandhi more than once during, felt that it was important that the 42-year-old politician had “sought collaboration” with industry in building a new partnership. Indeed, the need to bring the poor, the middle-class and business together was a key theme of Gandhi’s speech.
“He is keen to have a dialogue with industry. That’s a good thing, and hasn’t happened before,” said DCM Shriram Consolidated chairman and CII vice-president Ajay Shriram, “He has trust in industry.”
For many, including Kris Gopalakrishnan, co-chairman of Infosys Technologies and president-designate, CII, it was an opportunity to get to know a key political figure, who has, so far, been largely at a distance from the business community
“This dialogue gave us an understanding of (the thinking within) the Congress party and how the government will move ahead,” Gopalakrishnan said.
Gandhi, on his part, promised more visibility. “Frankly,” he said, after an unusually candid Q&A session, “I should do this more often.”
FROM THE SIDELINES
Who said what
"I firmly believe that good economics can be good politics, but it is not easy”
“I have never doubted the wisdom of the PM. But his ability to deliver is suspect”
‘It is high time the govt exited non-core areas of the economy”
Praful patel
Heavy industries minister
“Listening to Rahul Gandhi today, there was a sense of nostalgia,” said Das, after the Congress vice-president made his debut at an industry forum, speaking at the CII annual general meeting. “The quality of his thought and understanding were outstanding. There is new (found) respect and admiration for him.”
Unlike his father, who came into office abruptly after the assassination of Indira Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi already has experience of politics, if not government, reasoned Godrej Group Chairman and CII President Adi Godrej.
“Rajiv was quieter, Rahul is more expressive and in the future, his involvement will increase,” he added, “But the period is very different, and between the two, there are probably more differences than similarities.”
Godrej admitted he had been impressed by, and agreed with, the “enunciation” of Gandhi’s vision for inclusive growth at the Congress scion’s first large interaction with industry members. “Growth has to be inclusive. It can add to the acceleration of growth,” he added.
By and large, India Inc was floored. “This was important. It has captivated 90 per cent of the people here, if not more,” said Bajaj Group Chairman Rahul Bajaj, “And over and above what they know about him, they have (now) got a new view of Rahul Gandhi.”
Bharti Group chairman Sunil Mittal, who was mentioned by Gandhi more than once during, felt that it was important that the 42-year-old politician had “sought collaboration” with industry in building a new partnership. Indeed, the need to bring the poor, the middle-class and business together was a key theme of Gandhi’s speech.
“He is keen to have a dialogue with industry. That’s a good thing, and hasn’t happened before,” said DCM Shriram Consolidated chairman and CII vice-president Ajay Shriram, “He has trust in industry.”
For many, including Kris Gopalakrishnan, co-chairman of Infosys Technologies and president-designate, CII, it was an opportunity to get to know a key political figure, who has, so far, been largely at a distance from the business community
“This dialogue gave us an understanding of (the thinking within) the Congress party and how the government will move ahead,” Gopalakrishnan said.
Gandhi, on his part, promised more visibility. “Frankly,” he said, after an unusually candid Q&A session, “I should do this more often.”
FROM THE SIDELINES
- A packed hall: Some disgruntled business delegates, despite having passes, were turned away by security as they didn’t have invite cards; everyone was seated by 10.20 am
- Faux pas galore: CII representatives referred to the young Gandhi as “Rajiv Gandhi”, not once but twice
- Dressed up to the nines: Gandhi was the only dignitary on the dais clad in a casual white kurta-pyjama and chappals — his demeanor one of calm confidence — sending across a message he was open to ideas. “I’m interested in long-term partnerships. Let’s work together.”
- Soft power: He took most by surprise when he asked CII Vice-President Ajay Shriram (on the dais) to step forward and physically demonstrated India’s “soft power” (a hand on the shoulder), in contrast with China’s more vigorous hand shake
- Getting into stride: After his speech, Gandhi moved away from the podium and strode across, taking questions in a free-wheeling way — launching into Hindi at times to add authenticity
- First-name terms: He referred to Montek (Singh Ahluwalia, Plan panel deputy chairman) at least five times, besides Nandan (UIDAI chief Nilekani), Sam (Pitroda, who ushered in the telecom revolution) and Sunil (Mittal, of Bharti Airtel)
Who said what
"I firmly believe that good economics can be good politics, but it is not easy”
MONTEK S AHLUWALIA
Deputy chairman Plancom
“I have never doubted the wisdom of the PM. But his ability to deliver is suspect”
ARUN JAITLEY
Leader of Oppn (Rajya Sabha)
‘It is high time the govt exited non-core areas of the economy”
Praful patel
Heavy industries minister