"Congress has always promoted young people in the party from the very beginning. The country's demographic profile has changed. India is a much younger country now. Therefore we need fresh ideas, fresh leadership and new way of the Congress functioning," Singh told India Today.
However, the final decision of his taking over as the party President will be decided by Sonia Gandhi, he said.
Asked to list out Rahul's leadership skills, Singh said, "He has the capacity and experience to lead the party once he becomes its President."
"The leadership qualities are there. I strongly feel he has the capacity and experience to lead once he becomes the President...He has the political sense, he understands the mechanics of politics and he knows the country also," he said.
Asked about a public perception about Rahul who is referred to as "pappu" (childish), Singh said even Prime Minister Narendra Modi is called "feku" (braggart).
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
