Congress mulls advisory role for Sonia post-Rahul elevation

The Congress is considering an advisory role for Sonia Gandhi after Rahul Gandhi’s elevation as party president which is expected later this month.

The party sources said Sonia, the longest-serving president, is expected to head a group of senior leaders which would be available to guide the young team headed by Rahul.

The group may comprise senior leaders like former prime minister Manmohan Singh, A K Antony, R K Dhawan among others.

Another post under consideration is the chairperson of the Congress Party in Parliament, by virtue of which Sonia Gandhi could liase with the other opposition parties to put up a united fight against the Modi government in the next Lok Sabha elections.

A section of the party feels that Sonia Gandhi would be better placed to handle tough allies such as RJD chief Lalu Prasad, Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee or NCP supremo Sharad Pawar.

Another source in the party said an advisory council would be the most appropriate mechanism to accommodate senior leaders such as Ambika Soni and Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh.

“Such leaders have immense political experience, but at the same time may not be in a position to maintain the rough and tumble of day-to-day politics. The party can definitely benefit from their advice,” he said.

During his recent US visit, Rahul had suggested that his team will comprise a mix of youth and experienced leaders. The recent appointments to the AICC posts are also an indicator that the senior leaders continue to guide the youth and discharge key responsibilities.

Senior leaders like Sushilkumar Shinde, Ashok Gehlot, Kamal Nath and Avinash Pande have been appointed general secretaries, while young leaders such as RPN Singh, Rajeev Satav, Girish Chodankar, Sachin Pilot, Jitin Prasada are being groomed for greater responsibilities. The Congress has already hailed Rahul as the “unquestioned choice” of party workers and leaders for the post of party president.