Rahul Gandhi "will consider" returning as Congress President, sources said Saturday afternoon after it emerged that several senior leaders, including the chief ministers of Punjab, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh, as well as former Defence Minister AK Antony, urged the Kerala MP to come back.
Statements urging Mr Gandhi's return were made at today's Congress Working Committee meeting, which has said elections for the top post will be held between August 21 and September 20 next year.
Underlining her position as a "full-time and hands on Congress president", Sonia Gandhi today hit back at critics within the party - such as the G-23 - who have been pushing for over a year now, for an organisational overhaul and a more "visible leadership".
Addressing a meeting of the Congress Working Committee - the party's highest decision-making body -Mrs Gandhi, who has been interim President since Rahul Gandhi resigned two years ago - said "I have always appreciated frankness" and "there is no need to speak to me through the media" - a reference to letters released by 'G-23' members that have triggered spats between leaders in both camps.
Mrs Gandhi also underscored that the entire organization wants a revival of the Congress, but this requires unity and keeping the party's interests paramount. Above all, it requires self-control and discipline, she added.
