Rahul to lead a rejuvenated Congress: Did someone say ‘not again’?

The protest march of the Congress party, led by its president Sonia Gandhi was not just about Narendra Modi bashing, muscle-flexing or to register protest against growing intolerance in the country; it was a message from the age-old party that post-Diwali, it would appear in a rejuvenated form. The rally of hundreds of Congressmen, including Members of Parliament that marched to the Rashtrapati Bhavan to meet President Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday evening, also wanted to convey that time has come for Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi to lead from the front. Some party leaders expressed that “the sinking ship of the Congress needs a strong and young captain to sail through.” [caption id=“attachment_2430802” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi. PTI[/caption] After handing over the memorandum to President Pranab Mukherjee, Rahul Gandhi didn’t lose any opportunity to attack Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the latter’s “silence” and said, “He doesn’t believe it’s necessary for him to speak on these incidents of intolerance whereas the President and the RBI Governor have expressed their concern.” “Mahaul manufactured hai. RSS ke log, BJP ke log manufacture kar rahe hain (The atmosphere is manufactured. The people of the RSS and the BJP are manufacturing it). We are proud people, we have the ability to say what we want and the PM does not like that. And that is why we went to the president,” said Gandhi, who was flanked by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and other senior leaders of the Congress, besides Sonia Gandhi. Speaking to Firstpost on condition of anonymity, a CWC member said, “It’s time that the Congress party rejuvenated itself by strengthening at all levels. The issue is now of making the party strong as in the past. And for this, new blood has to come in, be it at the central level in AICC or at the state-level Pradesh Congress Committees. Considering the forthcoming Assembly polls in Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and then West Bengal, Rahul Gandhi has to take up the leadership role under Soniaji’s guidance.” Though in a much-guarded manner, the senior leader added that after the announcement of Bihar election results and Diwali festival, Rahul Gandhi’s new team is likely to be announced. “It has been finalised. Rahulji has himself conducted interviews and some new faces will be there as general secretaries and secretaries. Emphasis has been laid on efficiency and performance and a panel will review it. However, age won’t be a deterrent for the capable and experienced people.” However, the Congress leaders refrained from saying anything about Rahul Gandhi’s much-awaited elevation as Congress president. Instead, they preferred to talk on the issue of growing intolerance and simultaneously attack PM. “This march led by Soniaji and Rahul Gandhi has been taken out to register a strong protest against this growing intolerance in the country. We’ve given a memorandum on this issue to President Pranab Mukherjee. This issue has been discussed outside India as well and India is getting a bad name. How can they ask the minorities alone for population control? If it is needed, it should be for the entire nation, and for all. And, how can one decide about the personal food habits in a secular country like India?” questioned Congress MP and Chairman, Public Accounts Committee, KV Thomas. Sucharita Mohanty, Vice-President, Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee, said, “This is the height of anarchy and such intolerant atmosphere never happened earlier. It seems that the only objective of PM Modi is Congress-bashing on every available platform. We’ve gathered here from different states to register our protest. Rahulji is working hard to revamp the party. In Odisha, under his leadership, we’ve staged demonstrations up to block levels against the suicide of farmers. Rahulji visited the families of farmers, who committed suicide.” Another youth leader from Madhya Pradesh added, “It’s only the Congress party that can ensure a secular and terror-free atmosphere. The youth within the party is looking up to Rahulji.”