Rahul Gandhi's political pilgrimage: Loaded with too many expectations

For the Congress to be credible as an Opposition party, it needs to rebuild a grassroots organisation, restore cadre's confidence in the leadership and convince people that it has a political future

A tweet by a Congress leader about the ongoing "Bharat Jodo Yatra (BJY)" led by Rahul Gandhi claimed somewhat extravagantly, "Padyatra (walking on foot) transformed Shankar into Shankaracharya, Nanak into Guru Nanak, Mohandas into Mahatma Gandhi, Vinayak into Vinoba Bhave and Prince Ram into Lord Ram. Those who make fun of padyatras are foolish. They do not know history." 

How far is Rahul Gandhi's yatra likely to transform him and his party's political fortunes? It will require huge physical energy from Rahul Gandhi and his companions. Most people can walk for a few hours or a couple of days, but