“If she feels the time has come to give it to a new generation, then she should pass it on and we will fully support Rahul”, Capt. Amarinder Singh told reporters in Chandigarh, adding that Mrs Sonia Gandhi has said that it is time for “the baton to be handed over to someone else”.
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“Rahul Gandhi’s elevation as Congress President” has been a topic of debate since long and it seems soon there will be an end to it. According to sources, Rahul has agreed to take over as the Congress President, saying the decision has to be taken by the party. “Moreover, he has travelled extensively all over the country and he will provide good leadership to the party”. Still party leaders feel it’s time for him to formally take charge infusing a new vibe in the party.
There is a feeling among leaders that Rahul Gandhi should take up the responsibility of the party as its chief and bring a new team with fresh ideas to prepare ground for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.
There also have been suggestions that Rahul Gandhi’s sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra should play a more active role in politics.
“Sonia is a brilliant leader”. Singh said, “Look, she has not talked to me (on the issue). She heard me patiently but also asked me to meet Rahul”, said a senior leader from Odisha Congress.
Party leaders also virtually threw a protective ring around Rahul by rejecting suggestions that the party Vice President should accept blame for its debacle in four states assembly polls. “We all want Rahul to take over, as and when (it will happen), we will make a proper statement”.
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Several senior leaders in the party have been speaking about the difficulty and the confusion that has resulted because of the dual power centers in the party.
