'Rahul for President' talk gains ground in Congress

With Rahul Gandhi leading the party on a range of issues, Congress circles are abuzz with talk of his elevation in the near future.

The “Rahul-for-Congress President” talk took root once again with senior leaders Jairam Ramesh and Jyotiraditya Scindia – both considered close to the Congress vice-president – making a pitch for his elevation.

“Surely, it is our intention to see that he assumes that post  as soon as possible,” Scindia told reporters at the AICC briefing in reply to a question. In Hyderabad, Ramesh said he expected Rahul to take over as Congress pesident in this year.

However, both Scindia and Ramesh added a note of caution saying the final decision in this regard would be of Congress president Sonia Gandhi and her deputy Rahul. 

Congress leaders believe that the mysterious sabbatical has helped Rahul emerge as a rejuvenated person ready to take on newer challenges and revive the organisation. Since his return from “leave of absence”, Rahul’s complete turnaround has come as a surprise for the Congress and for the ruling BJP.