Sonia Gandhi is Congress’ ‘unifying’ factor: Naidu

New Delhi, May 22

Amid continued speculation about Rahul Gandhi's elevation as Congress president, Union Minister M Venkaiah Naidu today said Sonia Gandhi was the "unifying factor" without whom the party would have "disintegrated".

"Leader(ship) is their internal affair. I can only say this much. It is because of Soniaji that Congress is united. Otherwise it would have got disintegrated. This is my view although I do not approve of dynasty," Naidu said. Referring to the outcome of Assembly polls in four states and the Union Territory of Puducherry, Naidu, however, said: "But as a leader, her leadership has not succeeded. You have seen that."

About Sonia's call for introspection following the defeat, he said: "That's not our concern. They should reorient their approach and policies and then conduct (themselves) in a better manner."

On questions about Rahul's elevation, he said the Congress vice-president was already practically running the party. "There is no doubt about it. What is the problem if he gets a bigger role or becomes president of the party or becomes the Leader of Opposition. He has been at the helm of affairs for the past 12 years. The then PM Manmohan Singh wanted to bring an ordinance. He tore it off and threw it away and his words prevailed. If they want to make him leader, best of luck to them. After all, he is a youngster," he added. — PTI