Just back from 56-day break, Rahul Gandhi asked to stay put

NEW DELHI: Billed as Rahul Gandhi’s big comeback, the two-month sabbatical loomed large over the farmers’ rally as senior party members sent a message to the heir apparent that he has to provide engaged and sustained leadership to the party.
Betraying concerns that arose during his absence, senior functionary A K Antony broached the subject of Rahul’s return just before his speech. “I am sure, Rahul has come back more eager, with energy and vigour. He will be here to lead this massive movement to victory.”
READ ALSO: Hooda, Pilot provide the masses to fill the Maidan
The Congress heavyweight and Gandhi family confidant was alluding as much to Rahul 2.0 as sending him a message ahead of his crowning as party chief.Clearly, succession appears at hand.
READ ALSO: Rahul accuses Modi of being anti-poor
Having gone on a “leave of introspection” at the start of the Parliament session in February, the seemingly unending sabbatical stoked wild speculation, ranging from Rahul having gone into a sulk to his dwindling interest in the rough and tumble of politics.
READ ALSO: Local satraps showcase might in Congress rally

Rahul Gandhi along with Sonia Gandhi and Manmohan Singh during rally in Delhi. (AP photo)
With Rahul back on the party dais, the anchor at the farmers’ rally, Digvijaya Singh, stressed the message of staying on more than once.
READ ALSO: Rahul Gandhi uttered ‘white lie’ and ‘insulted people’s mandate’, BJP says
Winding up the show that had all the senior functionaries including Rahul and Sonia Gandhi talk about a long struggle, Singh turned to Rahul on the nearby chair and said, “Rahulji, now you (have to visit) every nook and corner of the country, from village to village… and the way you worked in Bhatta Prasaul, now (you) have to convert all six lakh villages into Bhatta Parsaul.” As the advice came, Rahul at one point smiled and later even nodded to his party seniors.
READ ALSO: BJP govt anti-people, Sonia Gandhi says

Farmer stands as he listens to a speech by Rahul Gandhi at a farmers rally at Ramlila ground in New Delhi. (Reuters photo)
Just after Rahul and Sonia ascended the stage around noon, Singh addressed him directly. “Today, farmers all over the country are looking at you. You have to take forward this battle which you started in Bhatta Parsaul. You have to travel, you have to provide leadership to farmers. You have to fight for their fights. The country has expectations from you,” he said in a matter-of-fact tone.
READ ALSO: Rally witnesses fine act of factional balancing
The repeated references — subtle from heavyweight Antony and blunt from Singh — ensured that the rally did not gloss over Rahul’s sabbatical that has agitated partymen but appeared likely to be swept under the carpet for its sensitivity.