Rahul is ready for a bigger party role

Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday said he was ready to shoulder more responsibility to turn around the Congress's fortunes in Uttar Pradesh.

Formally kick-starting the campaign of Congress president Sonia Gandhi in Rae Bareli for the May 8 by-election, Rahul told reporters he would do whatever his party leaders expected of him in the forthcoming assembly elections in UP.

“I’m ready to take the responsibility of (leading) the party in the state if the high command so asks. If the central leadership gives me the responsibility, I can turn around the fortunes of the party in the state,” he said. This was the first time Rahul hinted at moving out of his constituency and taking the responsibility of reviving the party in UP.

Rahul’s remarks assume significance in the context of statements often made by party leaders, asking him to carve a larger role for him- self in the Congress. During the AICC plenary in Hyder- abad earlier this year, party delegates had hailed him as the future leader and asked him to take a bigger responsibility. He had then said he was still a learner and needed more time.

Rahul’s latest remarks have been welcomed by the party — both in the state and in Delhi. UPCC chief Salman Khurshid said Rahul fitted the bill as “he has a vision”.

Ashok Gehlot, who is in charge of UP, said: “Rahul should be made general secretary in charge of frontal organisations so that it benefits the party in UP and other parts of the country.” Being general secy in charge of UP will be a big challenge for Rahul ahead of assembly polls next year.

But leaders say he has the vision to do it As general secy in charge of party’s frontal organisa tions, others say, Rahul will have a bigger role to play in the country — and not just in UP. Any post chosen is likely to make one thing clear: Cong’s No. 2 is here.

First Published: Apr 29, 2006 18:37 IST