NEW DELHI: One face, that of Rahul, was ubiquitous at the rally.
At the rally that brought together mass leaders and veteran managers of Congress from across the country, only one face stared down from the billboards, looked out of posters and was ubiquitous via caps, scarves and other propaganda material – Rahul Gandhi.
The showcasing of the Gandhi scion appeared at odds with the buzz that he is not ready to take over the leadership position that he quit in the wake of the 2019 Lok Sabha disaster.
Congress has announced its presidential election, and nominations will be filed between September 24 and 30, which will lift the prolonged suspense on the issue.
Rahul was the cynosure of the gathering in Ramlila Maidan in which he gave the lead address. After prolonged absence from the big stage, he will be back in action, visiting Gujarat on Monday and then starting the five-month long Bharat Jodo Yatra from Kanyakumari on Wednesday.
The meeting was attended by all. Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot, who is the top non-Gandhi for the AICC chief’s position but is reluctant, was in good spirits, as he addressed the crowd and backed the Gandhi family while questioning PM Narendra Modi.
Interestingly, MP Shashi Tharoor, who seems to be mulling a run for the party chief’s post, met Gehlot on Sunday. They are said to have discussed the AICC elections.
Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel was in the front row. Sachin Pilot, who is eyeing the Jaipur throne should Gehlot shift to Delhi, drew loud applause from the gathering. Interestingly, G-23 members Anand Sharma and Manish Tiwari were conspicuous by their absence.