New Delhi, October 31: The build-up to Rahul Gandhi's elevation as Congress number two has started with the emphatic assertion that there is no doubt about his position in the party.
Asked when he would be formally designated as secretary general or working president, AICC general secretary Janardan Dwivedi said, "Something is due. It may happen when it is ready. Rahul Gandhi is number two in the party. His place is after the Congress president. It is not a hidden fact. There is no ambiguity about it. PM Manmohan Singh has said that Rahul is the future leader. There is no shying away from it."
The proclamation of Rahul's imminent coronation amid speculation over the timing of AICC reshuffle to promote him indicated that it is time for bugles for another generation of Gandhis to take over the party.
The recast of Congress organization will come after the Sunday rejig of the Union ministry which saw promotion and induction of young ministers who are seen as the party's GenNext. It is a prelude to Rahul taking over the organization as the launch pad for the 2014 elections.
Dwivedi made it clear that even as general secretary, Rahul was the first among equals and that the designation, whenever it comes, would merely be a de jure stamp on what is already de facto. "This has been accepted by every forum in the party — from block level to the plenary," he said.
The definitive tone marks the onset of "succession season", likely to end with 2014 polls. Partymen say it may not be succession in literal terms since Sonia Gandhi was still going to be the party chief but Rahul would soon be handling day-to-day management of the party after he is delineated number two.
Rahul is expected to be designated as either 'secretary general' or "working president'. He is presently general secretary in charge of youth outfits.
"It is part of the succession plan," a leader said.
The timing of AICC rejig to promote Rahul's takeover is planned to complement the reshuffle of the Union ministry that would convey a sense of purpose in the ruling camp which has been in disarray. The corruption issue and the policy paralysis at the Centre have hurt the popular perception about Congress.
Rahul's elevation would be part of his projection as prime ministerial candidate in 2014 polls with a message that the party was looking to move on from the old guard that has represented old politics.
The rejig will help Congress steal a march on the leadership issue over the opposition NDA, which is still to settle its PM candidate in view of jostling among the BJP satraps.
Comments
Add new comment