Rahul Gandhi likely to target Narendra Modi after UP polls

Feb 13, 2012 - Venkatesh Kesari |

New Delhi

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With Gujarat due to hold Assembly elections by the end of this year, chief minister Narendra Modi - a possible BJP prime ministerial candidate - is likely to be AICC general secretary Rahul Gandhi’s main target after the Uttar Pradesh elections.

Congress insiders say Gandhi plans to focus on Gujarat amid reports that key elements in the Sangh Parivar and the state’s all-powerful Patels are unhappy over Modi’s style of functioning.

Modi’s 'aggressive Hindutva' image is said to be fading even in Gujarat due to factional fights within the BJP as well as the anti-incumbency factor, sources say, and he is also learnt to have antagonised some central party leaders.

Sources say that Gandhi will take on a wider role after the UP elections, and not confine himself to Youth Congress and NSUI affairs.

Another reason why he will concentrate on Gujarat is that it is felt it will have a bearing on the Assembly elections in BJP-ruled Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, which will go to the polls next year.

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