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Assertive in new role, Rahul promises a changed Congress
Newly-crowned Congress VP Rahul Gandhi on Sunday spoke of his vision for the party, which he said was now his 'life', saying there would be changes but none that were hasty or abrupt. Varghese K George reports. Middle class is ‘aam’ too | Women must feel secure: Sonia
Newly-crowned Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi on Sunday spoke of his vision for the party, which he said was now his “life”, saying there would be changes but none that were hasty or abrupt.
The party needs to change the way it selects candidates and develop new leadership at all levels, he said, but added a word of caution: “We cannot afford abrupt changes. Changes will be done, but gradually and smoothly.”
He also stated his resolve to keep the old guard on his side, and learn from their experience. “I am no longer the leader of the youth alone. I belong to everyone equally — the youth and the seniors, the Youth Congress, NSUI and Mahila Congress.”
“Changes will be thought-through and with everyone on board… I will not act as a lawyer but as a judge,” he said, adding: “The Congress party is now my life.”
Rahul’s speech lasted 45 minutes, possibly one of his longest, and was a far cry from his faltering first at the All India Congress Committee in 2007, when he spoke about the tricolour being his religion. Not known to be a great orator, his interventions in Parliament, too, have been rare. But this time was different as the 42-year-old combined spontaneity, wit and candour.
