Rahul Gandhi should become leader of opposition: Digvijaya Singh

New Delhi, May 29: Congress leader Digvijaya Singh believes Rahul Gandhi should head the party in Parliament if he is to lead the Congress, a linkage that is sure to put pressure on the reluctant Gandhi scion ahead of the decision on who should be leader of opposition in Lok Sabha.

"If Rahul wants to lead the Congress, he must lead," Singh said, when asked if he wants the Congress vice-president to take up the leader of opposition's post.

Stressing the point, Singh said, "I strongly feel he is the leader and has to lead from the front. He should be the leader of opposition."

Singh's opinion comes at a time when Congress is in the process of clinching the decision on who should be the party's main face in the opposition benches.

Rahul was the natural choice till now given his position as heir apparent but the scale of the election defeat and criticism of his leadership has put a question mark on his abilities to steer the party in Parliament. Seeking to brush aside doubts, Singh said, "It is ultimately the leader who has to lead."

Singh's strong views contrast with the multiplicity of opinion in the Congress post-defeat. A section in the party believes Sonia Gandhi should take over the reins of leadership to restore the confidence of workers and that she should start with being leader of opposition. The possibility of an experienced MP like Kamal Nath getting the assignment is also seen as strong.

The "Rahul should lead" line is shared by the bloc closely aligned with the leader. An influential AICC general secretary said, "Rahul should take up the post. That is the natural flow of leadership." An MP, who is part of Team Rahul, told TOI that the young Gandhi should not hesitate to step up to the plate.

As the decision is taken, there are concerns about Rahul delivering as opposition leader. While the post would require a fulltime engagement and "realpolitik" like cutting deals with government and other opposition outfits, he would be the face of the opposition to take on the treasury benches to be led by a confident Narendra Modi. "Rahul vs Modi-II" is a faceoff that does not inspire confidence among the demoralized Congress cadre.

Digvijaya Singh dismissed the notion that the transition of party's leadership from Sonia to Rahul would be affected by the electoral reverses. "That is the natural process. It would take its course," he said.