AP Congress for Rahul as PM

J.R.PRASAD Hyderabad, Jan. 9: The Congress leaders from Telangana are in an upbeat mood over the statement of the external affairs minister, Mr Pranab Mukherjee, that the day is not far when Rahul Gandhi would “step into Rajiv Gandhi’s shoes.” Mr Mukherjee’s statement encouraged Congress leaders who decided to ask the All India Congress Committee president, Mrs Sonia Gandhi, to field her daughter Priyanka Gandhi from Medak Lok Sabha seat in the general elections. They were of the opinion that the “Rahul-Priyanka factor” could counter the grand alliance of the Telugu Desam, Telangana Rashtra Samiti, and the Left parties in the state and help the Congress win the polls. “Rahul has become a mature politician and is fit to become the Prime Minister. It is time we field him for the post. If he is projected as the Prime Ministerial candidate, all the youngsters will rally behind the Congress,” said the Pradesh Congress Committee spokesperson, Mr N. Tulasi Reddy. Congress leaders opined that projecting Mr Gandhi as the Prime Minister would enhance the prospects of the party. “Rahul’s candidature can be used to win the support of the young voters on whom the Telugu Desam-led alliance and the Praja Rajyam are pinning their hopes,” said Mr K. Mrutyunjayam, another PCC spokesperson. Meanwhile, a team of Congress leaders are planning to meet Mrs Gandhi in the first week of February to present her a memorandum urging her to allow Priyanka Gandhi to contest from the Medak Lok Sabha seat. “If Priyanka contests from Medak, apart from the youth, all the women voters will support the Congress. We will intensify our efforts to convince the high command over this,” Mr Tulasi said.