Hyderabad: AICC General Secretary Digvijay Singh on Thursday did not rule out the possibility of Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi taking over the reins of the party in near future.
“Let’s see,” was Singh’s reply when asked about reports of the Gandhi scion taking over as AICC president in the party convention to be held this year. Rahul Gandhi would be among other leaders who would attend the farmers rally against the land bill proposed to be organised by Congress on April 19 in Delhi under the leadership of Sonia Gandhi, he told reporters here. As for Rahul Gandhi staying away from the Budget session of Parliament, he evaded a direct reply and said, “All of us, his foot-soldiers are present here”.
The Congress Vice-President has been the party leader and would continue to be so, he said. Condemning the remarks of Union Minister Giriraj Singh on Sonia Gandhi, he said the Congress demands not only a public apology from the Minister but also seeks his dismissal from the Cabinet. “But, knowing Mr (Narendra) Modi, he will not only keep him in cabinet, we won’t be surprised if he is promoted also,” he said. On the Union Minister expressing regrets over his comments later, the Congress leader said Giriraj Singh had made controversial remarks before general elections last year too that those opposed to Modi should go to Pakistan.
Talking about Congress’ opposition to Land Acquisition Bill, he said the NDA government is now ready to discuss the issue with parties. “If they are prepared to discuss now, why did they not discuss earlier, before issuing the ordinance,” Singh asked.
The NDA government has failed to deliver on its election promises like bringing back black money in 100 days and a better deal for farmers, Singh alleged. (PTI)
