Rahul is ready for a bigger party role

RAHUL GANDHI on Tuesday said he was ready to shoulder more responsibility to turn around the Congress's fortunes in Uttar Pradesh.

Formally kick-starting the campaign of his mother and Congress president Sonia Gandhi in Rae Bareli for the May 8 by-election, Rahul told reporters he will do whatever his party leaders expected of him in the forthcoming Assembly elections in UP.

"I'm ready to take the responsibility of (leading) the party in the state if the high command so asks. If the central leadership gives me the responsibility I can turn around the fortunes of the party in the state," he said. This was the first time that Rahul hinted at moving out of his constituency and take responsibility of reviving the party in UP.

Rahul's remarks assume significance in the context of statements made often by party leaders asking him to carve a larger role for himself in the Congress. During the AICC plenary in Hyderabad earlier this year, the party delegates repeatedly hailed him as the future leader and asked him to take a bigger responsibility. He had then said he was still a learner and needed time.

Tuesday's remarks have been welcomed in the party - both in the state and in Delhi. UPCC chief Salman Khurshid said Rahul fitted the bill as "he has a vision".

Ashok Gehlot, who is in charge of UP, said: "He should be made general secretary in charge of frontal organisations so that it benefits the party in UP and other parts of the country."