Congress leaders hail Rahul's decision

For the party clamouring for a leadership role from its general secretary Rahul Gandhi, the party scion's announcement of his proactive role in the party and government brought cheer on Thursday.

For the party clamouring for a leadership role from its general secretary Rahul Gandhi, the party scion's announcement of his proactive role in the party and government brought cheer on Thursday.

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"We will be very happy if Rahul takes on some more responsibility. What responsibility, whether in the government or the party and when, it is up to the party leadership and Rahulji to decide," AICC general secretary Janardan Dwivedi said.

"He is capable of handling anything or any job effectively," Parliamentary Affairs minister Pawan Kumar Bansal said.

Ministers Veerappa Moily and V Kishore Chandra Deo hailed the move as coming at a time when the party and the government needed enthusiastic participation of the youth leader.

"He has reached the youth of the country…and he is set to occupy a higher role," said Moily, the corporate affairs minister.

"If Rahul Gandhi decides so, it will definitely help the party," Deo said.

Meanwhile, BJP said if Rahul "formally becomes" a part of the government, people would get to see his abilities or the lack of it.

"Possibly, it would end the speculation about Rahul Gandhi's capacity and his administrative and political ability which many have been wanting to see," party spokesperson Rajiv Pratap Rudy told PTI.

(With PTI inputs)