Congress leaders divided over top job for Rahul
7 April 2015 5:41 AM IST
Rahul Gandhi, who is facing flak from the opposition over his absence after the Congress' debacle in the Delhi polls, is likely to be back on April 19 when the party hosts the Kisan Rally to protest against the BJP government's Land Acquisition Bill. “Rahul Gandhi will address the Congress' Kisan Rally on April 19,” Singh said on Monday.However, Sonia has been the face of protests, while leading a united opposition against the contentious Land Ordinance.
Raising doubts on Rahul's leadership qualities, Dikshit termed Sonia as the 'most capable person' to lead the Congress. “A lot of discussion is going on over who will lead the party. I honestly believe that Mrs Gandhi is the most capable person to lead the Congress. She brought us into power in the 2004 Lok Sabha elections,” he said, adding that “Rahul Gandhi is a very capable leader too, but when I have to make a choice at a time that is delicate, Soniaji will remain our best general.”
However, Soni downplayed Dikshit's comments, “We need both the president and the vice-president,” she said, insisting that there is no controversy over Rahul being missing in action during the important budget session in Parliament. “Rahul Gandhi needs that space as he wants to introspect and we as a party understand it. He will be back soon and we will have both the leaders,” she said, adding that the Congress workers would decide on Rahul's elevation at “an appropriate time”.
There has been a strong clamour within the Congress to anoint Rahul as the president, which at present is being held by his mother Sonia.
Meanwhile there is another section opposing this move. Rahul who did not attend the recent Parliament session for a sabbatical, which his party termed as a “introspection” is expected to return soon. He has already extended his leave of absence thrice.
Raising doubts on Rahul's leadership qualities, Dikshit termed Sonia as the 'most capable person' to lead the Congress. “A lot of discussion is going on over who will lead the party. I honestly believe that Mrs Gandhi is the most capable person to lead the Congress. She brought us into power in the 2004 Lok Sabha elections,” he said, adding that “Rahul Gandhi is a very capable leader too, but when I have to make a choice at a time that is delicate, Soniaji will remain our best general.”
However, Soni downplayed Dikshit's comments, “We need both the president and the vice-president,” she said, insisting that there is no controversy over Rahul being missing in action during the important budget session in Parliament. “Rahul Gandhi needs that space as he wants to introspect and we as a party understand it. He will be back soon and we will have both the leaders,” she said, adding that the Congress workers would decide on Rahul's elevation at “an appropriate time”.
There has been a strong clamour within the Congress to anoint Rahul as the president, which at present is being held by his mother Sonia.
Meanwhile there is another section opposing this move. Rahul who did not attend the recent Parliament session for a sabbatical, which his party termed as a “introspection” is expected to return soon. He has already extended his leave of absence thrice.
Next Story
