Rahul, Priyanka could complement each other for Cong benefit: Amarinder

Says it is for Rahul to decide whether he wants to become the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha

Senior Congress leader Amarinder Singh today made a strong pitch for Priyanka Gandhi becoming active in politics, saying she and Rahul Gandhi could complement each other much to the benefit of the party.

"We will be very happy if both work together in complimentary roles at a time when 70 per cent of India is below 40 years of age," he told reporters, noting that both are "perceptive and futuristic" and know what is going on in the world.

The former Punjab chief minister who defeated senior BJP leader Arun Jaitley from Amritsar Lok Sabha seat dismissed as "unnecessary" the attacks on Team Rahul in the wake of the party's poll debacle.

He said it was for Rahul to decide whether he wants to become the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha.

Against the backdrop of rout in Lok Sabha polls, voices for bringing Priyanka Gandhi to the forefront in politics have grown stronger within the Congress with at least two leaders yesterday saying she is a "big fighter" and has the "natural ability" to connect with people.

Outgoing Food Minister K V Thomas had said, "As a Congressman, we wish that Priyanka Gandhi should come to the main arena. She should work with mother Sonia Gandhi and brother Rahul Gandhi as a team."

M Pallam Raju, outgoing HRD minister, said Priyanka has always been supportive of Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi.

"Whether she will come to the forefront is a personal choice...I think she has a natural ability to connect with the people...It is indeed a strength," Raju said, adding her association with Congres is "integral".