Few had envisaged it, but the run-up to the 2014 polls is apparently going the US way, with speech-making defining the candidates and their visions. It probably began with Narendra Modi’s speech at the SRCC in New Delhi in January. Though he also made several other public speeches, the Delhi event was a PM aspirant’s  speech. Rahul Gandhi responded with a speech at CII last week. And now it is again Modi’s turn – at Ficci today.

At this juncture, these two names seem to be the ultimate contenders from the top two parties and their speeches, anecdotes, language, mannerisms and agenda are being analysed threadbare. After today’s speech, there will be further comparisons between ‘NaMo’ and ‘RaGa’.

Modi has a head start: he is an accomplished orator while his rival is still learning the art of wordsmithy. On the other hand, Rahul comes across with disarming frankness.

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