JOIN USIn the backdrop of Union Law Minister Salman Khurshid’s “cameo” remarks urging Rahul Gandhi to take bigger responsibilities and much speculated Cabinet reshuffle, Congress on Sunday hinted that the party’s young face will take up a more pro-active role after the Presidential and Vice-Presidential polls.
Congress general secretary Digvijay Singh, considered to be the political mentor of the Gandhi scion said that by September 2012 Rahul will play a much more proactive role in the party.
“I am sure that Rahul will play a much more proactive role in the party. Let the president and vice presidential elections get over,” Singh said while speaking to a news channel.
Singh further asserted that “I think the time has come. Wait for September and everything will be clear.” Asked about Khurshid’s comment that the party so far has only seen “cameos” from Rahul, Singh said: “Everyone in Congress wants Rahul to play a much active role. When Salman Khurshid said that, he merely reflected the party view.”
Singh’s comments came almost a month after Congress snubbed the senior leader for criticising Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee for rejecting UPA’s presidential candidate and said he was not authorised to speak on party’s behalf.
“Digvijay Singh is not officially authorised to speak on behalf of the party,” said a release issued by AICC media department on June 18. However, the party did not contradict Singh’s remarks on Rahul till late Sunday evening.
Singh for FDI
Singh also advocated opening up the retail sector for foreign direct investment (FDI) saying that the Indian economy will receive some much needed boost through investment proposals by some top companies.
Singh’s remarks on FDI assume significance as they have come at a time when Congress’ relations with key ally TMC, which is opposed to FDI in retail sector are worsening with every passing day.
TMC after opposing Mukherjee’s candidature for Presidential elections has kept the party guessing over the name of incumbent Hamid Ansari as UPA’s choice for second term for Vice Presidential elections.