Despite poor show, clamour for Rahul’s elevation intensifies

Rapidly losing out on its electorate, the Congress was left red-faced on Thursday after losing in two of its major states — Assam and Kerala. Despite the loss, some party leaders think that it is time to promote Rahul as a section of people within the party has reportedly demanded that Rahul should take over the reins of the party. “The process of his elevation cannot be stopped, he will become the Congress president,” said Congress leader PC Chacko.

 Meanwhile on Wednesday, senior party leader Digvijaya Singh had said, “Congress party favours Priyanka Gandhi Vadra getting into active politics, but it has to be decided by the family.”  The AICC general secretary had said that Vadra had the potential to emerge as a mass leader. He had said, “As far as we (Congress) are concerned, we will be very happy if she comes into active politics.”

While the Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Thursday said she had accepted the poll verdict with utmost humility. “We will introspect into reasons for our loss and will re-dedicate ourselves to service 

of the people with greater vigour,” she said.

After winning in Puducherry, she had congratulated the people of the Union Territory for giving the party the mandate. Reiterating her sentiment, Rahul said he would work ‘harder’ to win people’s trust as it faced crushing electoral defeats on Thursday.

 “We will work harder till we win the confidence and trust of the people,” Gandhi tweeted. “We accept the verdict of people with humility. My best wishes to the parties that have won the elections,” he added. “Take this opportunity to thank every Congress worker and leader and our allies for their effort during these elections,” he said in another tweet.

 Addressing the media, party leader Mukul Wasnik said the results were expected. “We had expected these results. We will analyse the reasons for our defeat under the leadership of Sonia and Rahul Gandhi,” he said.  Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala, who was also present there, said: “We humbly accept the verdict. We congratulate the winning parties.”

“We will continue to serve people and we hope that the new governments in these states focus on development,” he said.