Cong old guard jittery over leadership change in party

Sidelined former Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit (pictured) on Tuesday joined the chorus of Congress leaders who are sceptical of party Vice-President Rahul Gandhi’s leadership qualities, as reports suggest the party heir apparent might take over the reins of the party from his mother, Sonia Gandhi.

Although the party has not made any definite announcement in this regard, seniors are jittery over the slated return of Rahul from his sabbatical next week. Dikshit’s statements embarrassed the party, and within hours she alleged she had been “misquoted”.

Dikshit told news agency PTI: “I am yet to meet anybody who has any critical remarks to make about the leadership of Sonia. I can say it with absolute confidence. Whereas (in case of) Rahul, of course, there is a question mark, there is scepticism because you have not seen him perform as yet.” She said there was “comfort level” in working with Sonia.

A few days earlier, another veteran, Amarinder Singh, had said, “Sonia Gandhi should continue working as party president.” The former Punjab chief minister had added, “In 10 years, you cannot be captain of the ship. Rahul needs more experience and needs to travel.” Rahul was reportedly unhappy with Singh over his infighting with younger Punjab party chief Partap Singh Bajwa.

This is not the first time party leaders are voicing concern over leadership change. They are also worried they would not find a position in the future scheme of things.

Irked by Dikshit’s remarks, Delhi unit in-charge P C Chacko said, “Senior leaders expressing such opinions publicly is not correct. In the last two-three days, three-four senior leaders have made remarks, which give an impression that there is some difference of opinion between Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. There is absolutely no such thing in Congress.”

Sandeep Dikshit, former MP and son of Dikshit, had caused a stir in the party with his remarks that Sonia was the “leader” for “99 per cent of partymen” and was needed at the helm now more than ever.

Rahul’s move to appoint young leaders such as Sachin Pilot and Ashok Chaudhary as Pradesh Congress chiefs has annoyed a section of seniors.

Ashok Chaudhary, Bihar PCC chief, told Business Standard: “The fact that we have undertaken a 350-km march from Bodhgaya to Champaran to highlight the dangers of the NDA land Bill could only be done because we are a younger set of leaders. If Congress has to be revived across the country, we need young blood.”