New Delhi: Rahul Gandhi`s elevation as the Congress Vice President and his address at the AICC meeting has led to jubiliant partymen projecting him as the Prime Ministerial candidate who can lead the party to power again.
"Gandhi`s elevation has been a morale booster for the younger generation of the country and I feel he is the 2014 Prime Ministerial candidate of the party and I have no doubt people of the country will definately back his leadership," Kerala Congress Committee Chief Ramesh Chennithala said Monday.
"India is young and you are young" and "only Rahul can lead Congress to power again" was how some party leaders hailed the elevation, describing it as "historic push forward" for Congress.
Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee President Niranjan Patnaik said that the state Congress plans to encourage more youths by giving them key functions within the party.
"India is young and you are young. We see in you the future of the nation and the party. Lead us, guide us and take us on path of regeneration and national renewal.
"The process of change (parivartan) has begun and we are sure that the youth will take active part as critical change agents. Odisha needs people who understand the state and are committed," Patnaik said in a press release.
Party leader Anil Shastri in his comments on the microblogging site Twitter said, "It`s only Rahul Gandhi who can lead the Congress to power again."
"....All eyes are on Rahul Gandhi now to lead the party to 2014 elections.... UPA III doesn`t seem far and there`s lot to be still done for the common man," Shastri said.
Describing the Jaipur Chintan Shivir of the party as "great success, he said, "Rahul Gandhi is the Vice President of the party. This is the best thing that could have happened to the Congress in the New Year."
Noting that Rahul Gandhi is committed to transforming India, Shastri said, "All like minded parties should support him in this cause. System must change for the better. Present system is feudal and archaic. Is not responsive to people`s aspirations. Let all come together and support Rahul to change the system."
Noting that Rahul`s speech yesterday reflected the anger, anguish and dreams of the youth, Chennithala said that his leadership would take the party in the right direction.
Patnaik lauded Congress President Sonia Gandhi for giving the party an opportunity to work more closely with the 42-year-old leader.
Chennithala, Patnaik and Shastri had attended the Chintan Shivir where a decision to elevate Rahul was taken.
Patnaik also asked the youth in Odisha to take part in the process of building a better and stronger nation by supporting Rahul`s leadership.
"Get ready to script a new chapter in the politics of the nation as the old make way for the young, as there is hope and dynamism. Give up cynicism and channelise your new ideas in taking Odisha forward. Odisha needs new ideas, people need you," he said.
Patnaik targeted the BJD government in the state, saying Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has "no vision for the future".
PTI
