Even as 23 Congress leaders signed the letter for change of the guard in the party, the leaders from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh continue to stand by the Gandhi family to lead the grand old party.
Irrespective of old or new generation Congress leaders, they have been heavily batting for Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. If not Sonia, at least Rahul Gandhi should lead the party is the chorus of the Telugu Congress leaders. The state party leaders say that they will abide by the decision of the party but are not in favour of electing a member outside of the Nehru-Gandhi family. “Gandhi family is the family of sacrifices. Either Sonia or Rahul should lead the party, no other person is fit for the Congress party chief’s post. Rahul Gandhi can be a link between seniors and juniors. Seniors should be respected properly. They are known faces across the nation. Others may speak English better but cannot lead the party,” said a senior Congress leader.
AICC national spokesperson Dasoju Sravan told The Daily Guardian: “I personally feel that it is only Rahul Gandhi who could lead the party now and unite the party. He has been successfully questioning and fighting against the dictatorial rule of Narendra Modi. He represents the new breed of politics and he is the only right leader to bring in change congress.” TPCC president Uttam Kumar Reddy is also of the same opinion that Rahul should lead the party. Reddy has close relations with Gandhi and Nehru family. He worked closely with Rajiv Gandhi.
AICC secretary Vamsi Chand Reddy is also of same opinion. “Rahul is the right person at this juncture.” On the other hand, Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee requested Sonia Gandhi to continue as the AICC president since there is no other leader in the Congress to give a strong leadership. If Sonia is not willing, Rahul should take the mantle is the version of Andhra Congress. The APCC president wrote a letter to Sonia to continue as AICC president.