Rahul Gandhi has occupied the centre-stage at the Congress 'Chintan Shivir' in Jaipur, as a majority of the Congressmen have demanded that he should be named as the Prime Ministerial candidate.
Many speculate that it would be a face off between Rahul and Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi in 2014. Modi, who secured an electoral hat-trick in Gujarat, is being seen as the one who would play a key role for the BJP in 2014.
Congress MP Rajiv Shukla on Saturday said Rahul should now assume a bigger role and responsibility in the party.
"I mean definitely. This is what we all want. We have been waiting for last six months. And this is what we all want that it should definitely happen. We have made similar demands in the 'Chintan Shivir' also. Let us wait for the decision of the Congress President and Rahul Gandhi himself," he told media persons.
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All hail Rahul Gandhi @ Congress Chintan Shivir
Congress spokesperson Rashid Alvi also echoed similar sentiments, and said that the Bharatiya Janata Party is afraid of Rahul Gandhi.
"They do not have any leadership in their outfit as that of Rahul Gandhi. So, they always make such comments. I would advise them to practice positive politics," he added.
Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dr M Veerappa Moily said Rahul Gandhi is the Congress Party's leader at present and in future.
"We have three stable leaders, which we are very proud that is in consonance with the great legacy of the Congress Party. Congress always enjoyed the great leadership. That's why, it is inspired and there is continuity," he said.
All hail Rahul Gandhi @ Congress Chintan Shivir
Congress MP Mani Shankar Aiyar on his part said Rahul Gandhi has to take a final call himself in this regard.
"Rahul Gandhi has to himself take a decision on it. And if he decides to take over the leadership, then the entire party will welcome it. As a Congressman, I have told you that if Rahulji decides to take over the party's leadership then he will get not only my support but the entire party's support," said Aiyar.
"It's been over 25 years now. The entire world has changed, India has changed. But there are some basic things, which are the same. And in my view what Rajivji had said that 'we have to empower the people through Panchayat Raj', we have to give this prominence," he added, when asked about the challenges that Rahul Gandhi will have to face as compared to his father and former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.
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All hail Rahul Gandhi @ Congress Chintan Shivir
Union Ministers Jyotiraditya Scindia, Rajiv Shukla and Jitin Prasada too batted for larger responsibility for Rahul as the party recognised the need to respond to the demands of 'new changing India peopled by a more younger' generation.
Young leader Milind Deora said, "It is a consensus and feeling in the Shivir that youths should be empowered.
Uttar Pradesh leader Jitin Prasada said, "Things are being discussed as to how we can ensure participation of youths. Rahul is certainly our leader and he will lead 2014 general elections of Congress and the country as well."
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