Rahul sabbatical: Timing could have been better, says Digvijay

Senior Congress leader Digvijay Singh has found fault with the "timing" of Rahul Gandhi's sabbatical but defended his decision to take time out to reflect in the wake of a string of electoral reverses suffered by the party.

"If Rahul wans (sic) to reflect what went wrong why criticise him? Every one wants some peace to reflect. Only timing could have been better," Congress general secretary Singh said in a tweet.

While BJP and Shiv Sena have taken potshots at Rahul and Congress, seemingly revelling in the party's discomfiture, Congress members have contended that there was nothing wrong with leaders taking a break.

Rahul -- the party vice president -- would contribute more meaningfully after he comes back from his leave ahead of the proposed AICC session in April, they said.

Talking to reporters after a floor coordination meeting with party leaders in Parliament House this morning, Congress President Sonia Gandhi declined to comment on media speculation that Rahul was sulking over some issues related to his plans not seeing the light of the day in the party.

Meanwhile, in another tweet, Singh thanked social activist Anna Hazare for holding his protest against the land ordinance.

"Thanks Anna for supporting the cause which Congress highlighted and passed Land Acquisition Bill. Give credit to Congress Soniaji and Rahul!" he said.

In another tweet, he commented, "Corporates were unhappy with UPA as it couldn't help them when they were being prosecuted in 2G and Coal cases. Would Modi save them now?"

He also condemned RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat over his remarks related to conversions against Mother Teresa.

"Condemn Mohan Bhagwat's uncharitable remarks against Mother Teresa. Pl respect her dedicated service to the poor and under privilege (sic)," Singh said on twitter.com.