New Delhi: An opinion article by senior commentator Sanjay Saxena has reignited debate over the continued media focus on Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, questioning whether this attention reflects genuine political relevance or a misplaced obsession of mainstream media.
The article argues that despite repeated electoral setbacks suffered by the Congress—most notably in the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections—the Gandhi family continues to dominate television debates and headlines. Saxena notes that while party leaders may remain loyal due to legacy, political compulsion or lack of alternatives, the media’s sustained “glamourisation” of Rahul and Priyanka is harder to justify.
He contrasts their political record with leaders such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and regional figures like Mamata Banerjee, Akhilesh Yadav and Mayawati, whose credibility, he argues, rests on governance outcomes and electoral victories. According to the article, Rahul and Priyanka are often projected as national alternatives despite limited success at the polls.
The piece further suggests that ideological bias, TRP-driven sensationalism and the need to project a symbolic opposition may be driving excessive coverage. Saxena cautions that such trends risk distorting democratic discourse and undermining fact-based political evaluation.
The article concludes by urging the media to reassess its priorities, move beyond dynastic narratives, and ground political coverage in performance, accountability and verifiable public support.
