New Delhi, April 2 (NationPress) Former AAP leader and educator Avadh Ojha remarked on Thursday that while the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has matured as a politician, he requires a skilled mentor and a robust ‘Navratna’ team to support his journey.

In an exclusive conversation with IANS, Ojha expressed uncertainty regarding the motivations behind LoP Gandhi’s international trip but acknowledged his growth in the political arena. He emphasized that further advancement necessitates both guidance and strategic backing.

“I am not certain about the reasons for his overseas journey, yet it is clear that he has made significant progress politically. He requires two key elements. Firstly, he needs a knowledgeable guru to enhance his political insight. This is essential because without a solid understanding, he may struggle to make independent choices. I’m not suggesting he must pursue political science; what he truly needs is practical political wisdom,” Ojha stated.

He went on to suggest that LoP Gandhi should establish a formidable advisory team, drawing inspiration from historical governance examples.

“Secondly, he should consider creating a team akin to the ‘Navratna’ concept from the eras of Chandragupta Maurya and Akbar. Only by assembling such a team can he hope to achieve greater success in the political landscape,” he conveyed to IANS.

Ojha also commented on Union Home Minister Amit Shah, describing him as a “determined” leader with commendable decision-making skills. He welcomed Shah’s recent comments about the decline of Maoism in India, calling it a noteworthy development.

“If this is accurate, it represents a monumental victory. Maoism has been a longstanding issue for our nation, and its resolution would bring immense relief,” Ojha noted.

When asked to compare Amit Shah’s leadership style with that of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Ojha remarked, “He demonstrates a strong political acumen and effective decision-making. Sometimes, while watching him respond to inquiries on television, I feel he is emulating the legacy of an Iron Man.”

Regarding the forthcoming West Bengal Assembly elections in 2026, Ojha mentioned that the BJP seems determined to present a serious challenge, fueled by a growing public demand for change.

“People often say defeating Mamata Didi is challenging, but the BJP appears quite resolute this time. The party has also highlighted issues concerning illegal immigration from Bangladesh. I believe the BJP is in a strong position to contest these elections,” he stated.

He added that the possibility of a government shift cannot be dismissed. “The public is yearning for change. Didi has held power for an extensive duration. Just as voters in Uttar Pradesh express a desire for change, a similar sentiment exists in Bengal,” he observed.

Ojha, known for his expertise in civil services exam coaching, previously ran for the Delhi Assembly on an AAP ticket from Patparganj, a constituency once represented by Manish Sisodia. Following his electoral loss, he announced his retirement from politics and praised AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal as a “remarkable leader” in his farewell message.