NCP leader pitches for Sonia’s continuation as Congress chief

Amid reports of likely elevation of Rahul Gandhi as Congress president, an NCP leader on Monday pitched for Sonia Gandhi’s continuance as party chief so she could work for reviving the fortunes of United Progressive Alliance (UPA) to take on the ‘communal’ BJP.

“If Soniaji gives up her party's leadership, then it will send a wrong signal to the ruling party giving them sense that their pressure tactic is working. Also, such a move will demoralise Congress workers. So, she should continue to be in that slot,” NCP general secretary Tariq Anwar told reporters.

Anwar said though none of the UPA constituent has deserted the alliance, its leaders have not met over the past two years since the NDA came to power and insisted that Gandhi should take the initiative to revive it to halt BJP’s ‘communal’ juggernaut.

“Soniaji had reached out to top leaders of other parties in 2004 when the UPA-I was formed. Congress, being the largest opposition party, should again take the initiative to revive UPA,” he added.