Congress tells leaders not to comment on leadership issue

Congress has been roiled by the debate over his elevation with the party virtually split on the question of him replacing his mother Sonia Gandhi as party chief.

With Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi set to return after a 52-day “sabbatical”, the party on Wednesday directed its senior leaders to refrain from making controversial statements on the leadership issue, and air their views at a proper forum.

Sources in Congress said that Rahul would reach New Delhi late on Wednesday night, but there was no word from the party on his arrival at the time of going to press. Ever since he went on “leave”, Congress has been roiled by the debate over his elevation with the party virtually split on the question of him replacing his mother Sonia Gandhi as party chief.

“Unnecessary controversies should not be created. There are some sections outside the party who want to create confusion and to create an impression that there is some conflict in party.

Senior leaders of the party should refrain from making such open comments which contribute to the confusion,” Congress spokesperson P C Chacko.

He also asserted that there were no differences between Sonia and Rahul, and “that perception is completely wrong”. “Sonia Gandhi is the president and Rahul Gandhi is the vice-president and they are acceptable to all the Congressmen. There is no conflict on that,” he added.

Source:: Indian Express