New Delhi, December 14, 2009: Shri Rahul Gandhi has been declared as the CNN-IBN Indian of the Year 09, in the category for Politics. A young politician who combines charisma, vision and political astuteness that endorses his youth has been recognised for his consistent effort to give a new vision to politics in Uttar Pradesh. CNN-IBN facilitates Rahul Gandhi for being the chief architect of the Congress Party’s victory and for setting a shining example to the youth by attracting their participation in the political process.

The other illustrious nominees in the category included the Hon’ble Finance Minister of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee who skillfully handled one of the Indian economy's worst recessionary and turbulent phases and the Hon’ble Home Minister, Mr. P Chidambaram, for providing the most decisive and visible turnaround performance in the UPA's second innings in the critical Home Ministry. The other nominees in this illustrious award category included Shri Naveen Patnaik for taking a politically bold, risk-taking decision by fighting an election without any outside support and also for not losing an election in the past decade. Shri Raman Singh for leading the BJP to an impressive win in Chattisgarh and subsequent handling of the Naxalite problem. Shri Mamta Baneerjee for breaching the Left domination of West Bengal and scripting its worst performance ever. Shri Rahul Gandhi emerged as the CNN-IBN Politician of the Year for energizing the Congress and being the key strategist behind the party's revival in Uttar Pradesh.

The award will be given to Shri Rahul Gandhi in a glittering award ceremony that will take place on 21st December at Hotel Taj Palace, New Delhi. Hon’ble PM Dr. Manmohan Singh will be the Chief Guest at the occasion and the award ceremony will be attended by renowned personalities.

The category winner is selected for the award after a rigorous and transparent 4-tier selection process which included inputs from the IBN18 editorial team, the Jury, the Electoral College and the citizens of the country.

Speaking on the occasion Mr. Rajdeep Sardesai, Editor-in-Chief, IBN18 Network said "I would like to convey my heartiest congratulations to Rahul Gandhi for being chosen the CNN-IBN Politician of the Year ’09. Rahul Gandhi’s endeavour to mobilise the youth of the country and make them the change they want to see is commendable making him one of the strongest contenders for the prestigious CNN-IBN Indian of the Year 09’ title.”

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A young politician who combines charisma, vision and political astuteness that belies his youth, A young politician who combines charisma, vision and political astuteness that belies his youth A young politician who combines charisma, vision and political astuteness that belies his youth, A young politician who combines charisma, vision and political astuteness that belies his youth,