‘Missing’ Rahul Gandhi returns, BJP mocks his ‘trip’

New Delhi: The Congress on Thursday suggested that the “Rahul era” had begun shortly after party vice-president Rahul Gandhi returned from the 56-day sabbatical he had gone on for “introspection”.

Though the Congress is tight-lipped about where Mr Gandhi was from February 23 to April 15, the party’s chief spokesman Randip Surjewala said Congress men are elated by his return.

BJP mocks Rahul return

“Rahul Gandhi Congress aur desh ka netrutva karenge (Rahul Gandhi will lead the Congress and the nation),” the Congress said on Thursday after the party vice-president retunred from his 57-day sabbatical.

The party’s chief spokesman Randeep Surjewala said, “There is great enthusiasm, elation and happiness among Congressmen with the return of the Congress vice-president post his introspection.”

The CWC could meet, either for his elevation or to decide a date for the AICC meeting, insiders said. Mr Gandhi has no issue on meeting those senior Congress leaders who have reservations about his leadership, the party said.

The 44-year-old leader arrived here at 11.15 am on a Thai Airways plane from Bangkok, ending days of intense speculation over his return and amidst celebrations by party workers who burst crackers outside his residence.

Wearing a dark shirt and seated in the back seat of his vehicle, he arrived home escorted by his security personnel. He did not interact with the waiting media.

Later, Mr Gandhi drove to his 12, Tughlaq Lane residence where his mother and Congress president Sonia Gandhi and sister Priyanka were waiting.

But there was no news about where he had spent his leave of absence, which began on the eve of the Budget Session.

He is slated to participate in the farmers’ rally organised by the party here on Sunday against the Land Acquisition Ordinance.

After spending two hours at his residence, Mr Gandhi came to 10 Janpath, the residence of Mrs Sonia Gandhi.

Meanwhile, BJP greeted Mr Gandhi’s return with sarcasm and asked him to tell the people whether or not he wanted to continue in politics. BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra offered his “congratulations” to Congress and said that the vice-president and his party were both confused about their future. “He (Mr Gandhi) is confused. He does not know what he wants to do with his life, whether he wants to continue in politics.”