Rahul's elevation will give him right entitlement to lead alliance in 2019: Khurshid

Khurshid said that Rahul Gandhi's taking over as the party's president would be a "psychological" boost, which would attract more youngsters and give an "additional splurge of energy" to the party.

Asked about his earlier comments that Congress president Sonia Gandhi would continue to play a major role in the country's politics even after the transition, he said, "It is more of a hope than a definite assertion or fact."

"She wouldn't want to crowd the new leader. They will work out, I am sure, a very interesting and a very useful relationship in terms of political presence," Khurshid said.

On whether the Congress should go it alone or strike an alliance for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the former Union minister told PTI "the practical view should be that sensible adjustments, accommodation and alliances should be considered" while noting that the next general elections would be a clash of ideologies. However, he warned that alliances can be damaging if not done properly and should be struck with an objective and in a manner that strengthens the party.

Asked if Rahul Gandhi was the best choice to lead an alliance to take on the BJP in 2019, Khurshid said when the Congress vice president takes over as its chief, he will represent a party which would be the largest contributing part to an alliance.

"Therefore, I think he has the right entitlement or if you like, the right reason to be leading an alliance," he said.

Khurshid also cited the Congress' pan India identity and said this will play a "very significant" role in this matter.

"But frankly, it will be his way and his decision, I don't think we should venture to speak too much about this," the senior Congress leader further said.