Rahul Gandhi returns, likely to meet party leaders today

Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi returned to India Thursday, ending his nearly eight week-long “leave of absence” at an undisclosed location amid a fierce debate in the party over his capability to take over the reins from mother Sonia Gandhi.

Both Sonia and sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra were at Rahul’s 12, Tughlaq Lane residence Thursday morning to receive him. While they reached there shortly after 10 am, Rahul’s cavalcade rolled in minutes before noon. Some Congress leaders claimed he arrived from Bangkok on a Thai Airways flight but there was no independent confirmation.

The Congress, on its part, stuck to the “respect-his-privacy” mantra. Soon after he arrived, Rahul and Sonia drove to her 10, Janpath residence. He returned soon and stayed at home. He is likely to meet top leaders and AICC office-bearers Friday.

Congress leaders said a meeting of the Congress Working Committee would be convened soon to discuss the future course and fix the date and venue for an AICC session.

Organisational changes and amendments to the party constitution to streamline the ongoing membership drive are high on the agenda. Senior leaders claimed Rahul taking over the Congress mantle from Sonia was just a matter of time.

“He is back and I have no doubt that he will not only be taking proactive measures but also with dynamism, with commitment, provide leadership,” Congress leader Anand Sharma said.

Kindly send reply or comments on this topic to [email protected]
Source:Indianexpress

Rahul Gandhi