AICC general secretary Rahul Gandhi has for the first time since 2004 kept the option of joining the government “open”. This has fuelled speculation about an imminent Cabinet reshuffle and his possible portfolio in political circles.
Mr Gandhi has been refusing to join the government ever since the UPA came to power at the Centre eight years ago. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress president Sonia Gandhi have wanted Rahul to join the government, and both have openly said this several times.
While Rahul Gandhi is ready to play a larger role both in the party and the government, AICC sources clarified it would either be in the government or the party.
A Cabinet reshuffle could, therefore, take place either between July 26 and August 7, before the Monsoon Session of Parliament, or after it ends, likely on September 7.
A guessing game has started in Congress circles about the portfolio Mr Gandhi could handle if he joins the government. Insiders said it could be rural development, human resources development or in the Prime Minister’s Office. A Union minister said: “Rahulji could also be a minister without portfolio, and AICC vice-president.”
Breaking his long silence on Thursday, after repeated calls by party leaders and several ministers for him to play a larger role, Mr Gandhi said: “I will play a more proactive role in the party and the government. The decision has been taken, (but) the timing is up to my two bosses — the Congress president and the Prime Minister.”
His comment came just one day after Mrs Sonia Gandhi said on Wednesday that it was for Rahul “to decide for himself” on playing a larger role in the party.
Mr Rahul Gandhi spoke after voting in the presidential election at Parliament House on Thursday morning. The Congress Party has welcomed his decision. “We will be very happy if Shri Rahul Gandhi takes on some more responsibility, and it will be a very welcome step,” said AICC general secretary Janardan Dwivedi in a written statement.
Mr Dwivedi added: “What responsibility (whether in the government or the party) and when is up to the party leadership and Rahulji to decide.” Others like Digvijay Singh and M. Veerappa Moily also welcomed Rahul’s announcement.