Rahul Gandhi showcases nephew Raihan in Diwali video; soft launch?

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi released a Diwali video on Friday and presented his nephew, Raihan Rajiv Vadra, in it. It is a rare showcasing of Raihan, the son of Priyanka Gandhi and Robert Vadra. People, both pro- and anti-Congress, are seeing the video as a “soft launch” of the fifth-generation Nehru-Gandhi-Vadra family member.
The timing of the video is interesting as it came close after Raihan’s mother, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, took a plunge into electoral politics. She filed her nomination papers for the Lok Sabha by-poll in October after Rahul vacated the seat.
Raihan Rajiv Vadra, is a visual artist and curator, according to the 24-year-old’s website. It says that Raihan’s visual works range from wildlife and street to commercial photography. He has held several solo exhibitions of his work, including in New Delhi and Mumbai.
In the video, Rahul Gandhi is seen explaining Raihan to the people who brighten the Diwali of Indians without being acknowledged or appreciated.
Raihan is seen lending a helping hand to Rahul as his uncle tries to assist the painters and workers working at 10, Janpath bungalow.
The 10, Janpath bungalow is the residence of Sonia Gandhi, and Rahul has been staying there since being disqualified as an MP in 2023.
Rahul also shares with his nephew why he “isn’t a big fan” of the 10, Janpath bungalow.
In the Diwali video, Rahul is seen explaining to Raihan how people often tend to ignore the skill and hard work of potters and artisans who play a major role in the festival. He shows his nephew the earthen lamps that he crafted at a potter’s place in west Delhi’s Uttam Nagar.
While Rahul Gandhi has been sharing videos of his interactions with common Indians, including mechanics and truck drivers, this is the first time that he has showcased Raihan in a clip.
People on both sides of the political divide have taken note of the new addition, and called it a “soft launch” for Raihan.
“So here is the next Congress President & Prime Minister candidate from Congress after Rahul Gandhi & Priyanka Gandhi. His name is Raihan Vadra/Gandhi,” said a person on X.
Others commented on Raihan’s demeanour in the video and drew parallels with uncle Rahul.
“When Rahul Gandhi initially came into politics, he was very shy. Raihan also looks a little nervous in this video, although it also shows his good values,” a person commented on X.
In October, Raihan Rajiv Vadra, who has largely stayed away from the political spotlight, made a rare public appearance in Wayanad. He was seen alongside his father, Robert Vadra, and uncle, Rahul Gandhi, during the filing of his mother Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s nomination.
Priyanka, known for her active role in Congress campaigns, officially entered electoral politics, making her debut as a Lok Sabha candidate from Wayanad.