This Article is From May 14, 2014

'Where is Rahul Gandhi?' Heard At Sonia Gandhi's Dinner for PM

'Where is Rahul Gandhi?' Heard At Sonia Gandhi's Dinner for PM
New Delhi: At Sonia Gandhi's farewell dinner for Prime Minister Manmohan Singh this evening, Rahul Gandhi's absence was noticed.

Top Congress leaders gathered at the party president's 10, Janpath home and presented a memento to Dr Singh, 81, who led the government for 10 years. (Sonia Gandhi to Host Farewell Dinner for Prime Minister Manmohan Singh)

But Rahul Gandhi, who had been the most visible face of the party's campaign this time, was missing.

News that the 43-year-old is "out of station" stunned not just journalists, but even some Congress men, especially as it comes two days before the announcement of the election results on Friday.

Amid a flurry of media questions, Mr Gandhi's office later issued a statement: "Rahul Gandhi met the PM on Saturday to say that he won't be in town. He thanked him already."

The clarification didn't silence the buzz, which had Congress ally Omar Abdullah, the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, commenting on social media, "If you knew he was not attending the dinner AND he'd explained his absence to the PM earlier put out the statement BEFORE the news breaks. (sic)"

With exit polls predicting a rout for the Congress, Rahul's mother Sonia Gandhi had stepped in to stop party men from blaming the Prime minister and emphatically told them to defend him.

The Prime Minister, who is expected to demit office on Saturday, said his farewells at work on Tuesday.

Sources say it was at Mrs Gandhi's instance that the Congress made a statement thanking the prime minister.

"Dr Singh's experienced and seasoned stewardship, his personal integrity and ability to lead the country through difficult times are noteworthy and India is proud to have earned so many laurels and respect during the 10 years," Congress spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi said.

On Tuesday, several Congress leaders insisted that Friday's results would not be a judgement on Rahul's performance. (Congress Distances Rahul Gandhi from Potential Poll Debacle)

The apparent attempts to firewall Rahul were derided by the BJP, which exit polls say, will post its biggest victory.

"The mantra in the Congress is to blame others in case of something bad while giving all the credit to the Congress President and Vice-President," said BJP spokesperson Prakash Javadekar.
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