‘If allies want, I will become PM’

New Delhi, Oct. 5: Congress president Rahul Gandhi Friday said he will become prime minister if allies want him but the first step is for all parties to get together and defeat the ruling BJP.

It’s a two-stage process and a decision on who will be prime minister comes second, Gandhi said. “We have had discussions with allies and what we decided is that this is a two stage process stage — one is to get together and defeat BJP and stage two is, once the election is over then we will decide what happens,” the Congress president explained. Probed further about the possibility of him becoming prime minister, Gandhi said, “If they (allies) want me, sure... I will.”

The Congress chief, who was speaking at the HT Leadership Summit, answered questions on a range of issues, including his temple visits and the RSS. Gandhi said he has been going to temples, gurdwaras and mosques for years, but the issue of his visits to temples has

The ideological centre that is fighting the BJP can only be the Congress — Rahul Gandhi Congress prez

suddenly been publicised.

“I guess BJP doesn’t like it. It infuriates them. BJP feels only they can go to temples,” he said.

He said he has developed a thick skin. He can understand criticism and is not disturbed by it. “My response is to listen. Leadership is an evolution. It is something which is constantly changing and you learn. At least in my evolution,” he said.