New Delhi: Former Congress President Rahul Gandhi is reportedly considering returning to the role of party leader after stepping down from his post following the debacle of the 2019 general election.
At the Congressional Working Committee (CWC) meeting, senior leaders called on the Wayanad MP to return to being president, according to the ANI news agency citing sources.
According to agency sources, Rahul Gandhi said, “I will consider,” adding that he needs clarity on the level of ideology from party leaders.
Some leaders have also said he is expected to be appointed incumbent president until the next parliamentary elections, ANI reported.
Following the conclusion of the CWC meeting held at the headquarters of the All India Congress Committee (AICC), senior Congress official Ambika Soni also addressed the media in this regard.
“Everyone agreed unanimously, whether he (Rahul Gandhi) becomes (the party president) or not, it depends on him. Everyone is of the opinion that Rahul Gandhi should become the president of the party ”, she declared.
“The G-23 was not even mentioned there. They were present at the meeting. Congress is not divided into factions, we are united. All the leaders of the Indian National Congress unanimously wish that Rahul Gandhi becomes president of the party. The process (for the election) will start in September 2022, ”added Ambika Soni, confirming the party leader’s reports which will be finalized next year.
While she says the G-23 “was not even mentioned” at the meeting, remarks by acting party chair Sonia Gandhi appeared to address leadership concerns raised by party leaders like Kapil Sibal.
“I am, if you will allow me to say it, a full-time and on-the-ground President of Congress. Over the past two years, a large number of our colleagues, especially the younger ones, have taken on leadership roles in presenting the party’s policies and programs to the people, ”said Sonia Gandhi, as mentioned in a shared statement. by the Congress Party on Twitter. .
“I have always appreciated the frankness. It is not necessary to speak to me through the media. So let’s all have a free and honest discussion. But what should be communicated outside the four walls of this room is the collective decision of the CWC, ”she added, apparently referring to the G-23.
Meanwhile, Rajasthani Congressman and Minister Raghu Sharma criticized Kabil Sibal who had recently stirred up a row for saying the party had “no president”.
“Do such talks make Congress stronger? If you organize a press conference yourself and say outside the things you should say in front of the leadership, will that make the party stronger? Discipline is important, ”said Raghu Sharma after the CWC meeting in Delhi.
“What needs to be done will be done by the High Command, but I don’t agree with anyone talking on the road. Speak and make suggestions to the high command on the correct platform. But if you consider yourself above party discipline, that’s not fair, ”he said.
It remains to be seen whether Sonia Gandhi will retain the role of Interim President of Congress or whether Rahul Gandhi will accept the party leaders’ request to return as leader ahead of the crucial 2022 Assembly elections.
<—-ALSO READ—->
CWC Meet: Message from Sonia Gandhi for the G-23, attack on Modi Govt on the economy, J&K, foreign policy | 10 points
