The Congress indicated on Monday that it will project its prime ministerial candidate in the next Lok Sabha polls. This came in the backdrop of speculation that AICC general secretary Rahul Gandhi will play a “decisive” role in the coming weeks.
The Congress had projected Dr Manmohan Singh as its candidate for Prime Minister in the 2009 Lok Sabha polls. Congress president Sonia Gandhi, who had declined the prime ministership after her party’s 2004 victory, will lead the campaign for the 2014 general election.
“We must project a prime ministerial candidate... We will raise this within the party. It is imperative in view of changing times”, said an AICC office-bearer who is a key member of the party’s think tank.
It is said in party circles that Rahul Gandhi is not likely to be made either working president or vice-president, or that he would join the government.
Mr Gandhi is now expected to step out of his Youth Congress and NSUI activities and play a “much larger role” in the party organisation.
He is likely to take an interest in the appointment of Pradesh Congress Committee chiefs, nominations to the Rajya Sabha and revival of the party setup across the country.
Mr Gandhi could also become a member of the core group.