Rahul Gandhi as Leader of Opposition? Congress leaders say ‘No’

New Delhi: After atrocious defeat in general elections 2014, the biggest task faced by Congress is to elect the Leader of Opposition. As per Times of India reports, party general secretary Digvijaya Singh and Youth Congress are in favour for Rahul Gandhi, another section of Congress leadership is not so keen on his name.

The article quoted Singh saying, "I strongly feel he is the leader and has to lead from the front. He should be the leader of opposition." But these views are not shared by others in the party.

As per the report, a fraction thinks that Sonia Gandhi should once again take charge "to restore the confidence of workers and that she should start with being leader of opposition."

Some other news reports indicated Kamal Nath’s name has also been pushed as a possibility, which signifies that anybody would do but not Rahul Gandhi.

Senior party leaders might not seem be too content with Rahul getting more duty, Youth Congress is hopeful that Rahul will take the top job in the Parliament. Indian Youth Congress (IYC) chief Rajeev Satav tweeted saying, "Youth Congress leaders want (that) Rahulji should be Leader of Opposition. Demand raised before leadership at Youth Congress meeting."

Satav also tweeted out that Rahul had asked "Youth Congress leaders to be ready for struggle.”

Rahul Gandhi in his meeting with Youth Congress leaders asked "the body to be battle-ready even as he promised widespread changes in Congress."

The report read that Rahul had “the fifth worst report card and is placed 17th from the bottom in the overall MP rankings.”

Reportedly, AICC member and senior leader T H Musthafa on Wednesday demanded resignation of vice-president Rahul Gandhi, saying Priyanka Gandhi should step in to save the Congress.

Addressing the media in Kochi, Musthafa said Rahul’s “foolish” policies and “immature” approach contributed to the Congress’s worst-ever defeat in elections. If Rahul is not willing to voluntarily go, he should be removed, he said. “There are many leaders in the party who think that only Priyanka can ensure a comeback for the Congress,” Musthafa added.

Congress party managed to gain only 44 seats in the Lok Sabha, which is not even the minimum number of seats required to be in opposition.