Some Congress Supporter Want Rahul to Play Central Role in Party

Rahul Gandhi's readiness to play a 'larger role' today triggered speculation afresh within the Congress on whether the young leader would enter government or execute more responsibility within the organisation.

A section of party leaders were emphatic the new role would certainly be in the organisation because of the 2014 Lok Sabha elections.

The role might be in the form of Working President, Vice President or Secretary General from the party which would provide him a greater grip within the organisation.

Demand may also be made by some party leaders that Rahul ought to be projected as the Prime ministerial candidate from the party in the Parliamentary polls.

Congress leader Digvijay Singh on Sunday expressed confidence that party General Secretary Rahul Gandhi will have a "much more proactive role" within the organization after the presidential and vice presidential polls.

"I am certain that Rahul will play an infinitely more proactive role within the Congress Party. Let the Presidential and Vice Presidential polls overcome," Singh told Aaj Tak news channel. "Wait for September 2012 and everything is going to be clear. ...We need a guide in the present context along with a roadmap is being drafted," he said.

Singh said, "If he (Rahul) choose to go too fast the media might have criticized him, however there is a demand inside the party. So, I believe the time has come". Singh also defended Law Minister Salman Khurshid's reported remarks the party had only seen "cameos" of Rahul's thoughts and concepts.

"There is no need for re-designating Rahul Gandhi. He's in charge of the organisation now," said a senior Congress leader, who didn't wish to be named. Rahul Gandhi will concentrate on organisational matters and spearhead the party's campaign within the BJP-ruled Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh, for example, the leaders added.

Talking about the arrest of Balkrishna, a detailed aide of yoga guru Ramdev, Singh said CBI was investigating cases of alleged tax evasion against him and attacked the BJP government in Himachal Pradesh for giving 98 bighas of prime land for Pitanjali Peeth managed by Balkrishna.

Younger Gandhi now represents Amethi, formerly his mother's constituency, in parliament. (Sonia Gandhi has now use Rae Bareli.) Rahul Gandhi's participation in the government would enable him to consider a closer look at the inner dynamics of the coalition government, say many.