Sonia, Rahul back in India amid calls for reshuffle

Congress president Sonia Gandhi has returned home after spending a fortnight abroad for medical check up related to her undisclosed illness.

The 70-year-old Congress chief was accompanied by her son Rahul, who had gone to be by her side on March 16.

Sonia’s absence was sorely felt by the Congress which received a severe drubbing in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand elections leading to demands for “structural reorganisation” of the party. “The Congress president and vice president returned to India last night,” AICC spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi said. “She is hale and hearty,” Singhvi said to questions on the health condition of the Congress chief.

Party leaders were awaiting Sonia’s return to review the electoral loss and put in motion the process of reshuffle of the party organisation.

There is growing anger within the party for the way senior leaders were outwitted by the BJP in Goa and Manipur.