Neha Bora rose to prominence after fasting for 23 days during the Cockroach Janta Party movement, which sought the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over irregularities in the NEET examination. After breaking her fast, she told THE WEEK that her stomach had not been able to digest food and that she was therefore managing with liquids.
Since then, she has never looked back. She has taken to the streets, protested, been detained several times, returned to protests, been dragged and injured, and much more. Many people see her as a brave woman with a bright future in Indian politics.
Although she is the national president of AISA, the student wing of the CPI(ML), she is increasingly being seen at the high table during Opposition meetings, on buses carrying MPs protesting against the government, and walking alongside Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi.
The question arises: Given that she is part of a Left party, why is she getting closer to the Gandhis? Rahul Gandhi himself has offered several answers through his political messaging. Over the past few years, he has often spoken about bravery and the courage to fight the RSS and the BJP. He has repeatedly said that those in his party who want to leave can do so if they are scared, adding that the Congress does not want people who are afraid. He has also argued that the BJP is effectively cleaning up the Congress by taking in those who are not fit to remain in the party.
According to a Congress leader, Gandhi's mindset has made Neha Bora relatable to him, and she has grown close to the Gandhis in a short period. She had been noticed earlier as well, but some in the Congress believe that if she were brought into the fold, jealous leaders might not give her enough space to rise or might suppress her potential.
However, her persistence, her willingness to speak bluntly against the BJP, and her inclination towards the Gandhis from the beginning have made it easier for her to build a rapport with them.
Neha Bora has also tried to act as a bridge between students and the Congress. Her tweets have backed Rahul Gandhi and his efforts to defend the Constitution.
Rahul Gandhi's style of politics has always been at the centre of discussions in and outside the grand old party. His unconventional political moves have, over time, pushed aside senior leaders who were once seen as veterans. They have also allowed a younger crop of leaders to take up positions through new organisational arrangements, including a district committee system in which district presidents are directly connected with the AICC.
Experts also say that he has largely practised black-and-white politics, often giving little thought to how his actions or speeches might play out, or be used and misused, in the country's broader political ecosystem.
