"I believe he is someone who can lead the party's charge. It will unify the party across all parts of the nation," he said, adding one must wait for the outcome of AICC meet on January 17.
It is being speculated than an announcement to make Gandhi party's prime ministerial candidate may be made there.
Pilot, however, said one should not prejudge what the AICC session will do. "It's not a question of what Rahul Gandhi wants, I want or somebody else wants".
Pilot brushed aside BJP's barbs that Congress has lost the will to fight, claiming Congress will do "extremely well" in polls and victory will be a reality.
"I am of the opinion that whatever else happens, it is not going to be the way some people has projected that Congress will just roll over. We are there. Congress is fighting to win," he said.
Coming from a party, he said in a reference to BJP, which had two members in Lok Sabha, it's "a little naive" to write off a party which has a history of more than 100 years.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
