Rahul poll vaults to VP
Elections in mind, Gandhi scion is pushed up party ladder
Rahul Gandhi on Saturday became the vice-president of the Congress. The generational change took place on the eve of the AICC meeting, making him officially number two in the party.
The decision was taken at the extended CWC meeting after senior leader and Union defence minister A.K. Antony moved the proposal following the opening remarks of party chief Sonia Gandhi, whose son becomes the youngest vice-president of the Grand Old Party after Independence.
The late Arjun Singh and Jitendra Prasada had occupied the post during the presidentships of Rajiv Gandhi Kesri.
Congress general secretary Janardan Dwivedi, who seconded the proposal, said it has not yet decided whether Mr Gandhi would lead the
and
Sitaram party’s election campaign.
He becomes vice-president at a time when the rank and file want him projected as the Congress’ Prime Ministerial candidate. Mr Gandhi takes on his new responsibility ahead of the Lok Sabha elections and at a time when the Congress has been heading a coalition government at the Centre since 2004.
These developments will also have a bearing on the proposed AICC reshuffle which will see many young faces. His elevation will see a change in power equations within the party and at the Centre. Mr Gandhi, who joined active politics in 2004 by contesting the Amethi Lok Sabha seat, has been consistent in staying away from government despite several attempts to convince him to do so by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Mrs Sonia Gandhi.