New Delhi:
As the Congress gets battle-ready for the general elections scheduled for 2014, Rahul Gandhi was today appointed the Vice President of the party. He is now officially No 2 in the Congress. His boss is his mother, Congress president Sonia Gandhi.
Here are all the reactions to Mr Gandhi becoming the Vice President of Congress:
Rahul Gandhi, Vice President Congress"I have great experience this is great party and we can transform this country," he said accepting the new role.
Janardhana Dwivedi, Congress spokesperson"Congress Working Committee accepted the proposal and after their endorsement, Mrs Sonia Gandhi also gave her approval and Shri Rahul Gandhi accepted this responsibility."
Sachin Pilot, Congress MP"It's a historic decision and we welcome it. It has energised the party workers throughout the nation. We will go to the next Lok Sabha election with a renewed vigour now... Rahul will be a unifying force for Congress."
RPN Singh, Union Minister"It is going to be a big gamechanger for the Congress party. He has given a new energy and hope to the Congress party. He will bring new vigour to the party".
Jitin Prasada, Minister of State for Human Resource and Development"I am happy that he (Rahul) has accepted the responsibility and be the face of the party in 2014 polls...We want him to be the face of the party. He will drive the youth of the country."
Sandeep Dikshit, Congress MP"I am happy and elated at the decision...He will work as a champion campaigner and strategist for the party's campaign."
Ghulam Nabi Azad, Health Minister "Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had earlier offered him (Rahul) ministerial berths but he declined. Now, his name was proposed for Vice-President by A K Anthony and unanimously supported by other members. It was a long-standing demand of Congress workers."
Shahnawaz Hussain, BJP spokesperson"This announcement of Rahul Gandhi becoming number two of Congress has not come as a surprise. He was already number two after Sonia Gandhi. He was not number three who has been elevated to number two. Only a member of Nehru-Gandhi family can be number two... This decision will not bring any gains to Congress. He does not pose a challenge to BJP even if he becomes President of Congress. Congress has no future."
Ravi Shankar Prasad, BJP spokesperson"If Congress thinks the elevation of Rahul Gandhi will give a boost to the party's future prospects, then it is highly mistaken. People will judge Congress as well as Rahul Gandhi by their performance in the last nine years that the party has been in power."
Rajiv Pratap Rudy, BJP spokesperson"Still do not know what Rahul Gandhi's views are on the Delhi gang-rape and other crucial issues."