Rahul may play key role in party as well as govt: Cong

In support of this contention, Congress general secretary Janardan Dwivedi cited instances of ministers also holding party responsibilities.

"We have a number of party colleagues who are both a minister as well as a general secretary or incharge of states. The option is open. It can be either government or government or even both," Dwivedi said.

Welcoming any move to give greater responsibility to Gandhi, Dwivedi said, "Whatever decision is to be taken only three people know" and the party cannot say anything on this.

Breaking his silence on the issue of his assuming a bigger role, Rahul Gandhi had yesterday indicated he will play a proactive role and the timing for it will decided by party president Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

He said a decision has been taken on playing a bigger role and the timing depends on the leadership.

Gandhi's comments came a day after Sonia Gandhi had said it was for Rahul to decide for himself on playing a larger role in the party.

"No one can take a decision on his behalf. He has to take a decision," she had said in Parliament House.

These comments come against the backdrop of pleas made by many senior Congress leaders for Rahul to play a larger role in the party.