CWC meet: With Sonia absent, will Rahul come of age

While Rahul Gandhi's elevation has been a matter of debate for long, the Congress is still divided on certain issues.

Congresss vice president today chaired the Congress Working Committee meet in the absence of his mother and party president Sonia Gandhi. The development that everyone would watch out for today is whether Rahul Gandhi will take over as president of the party. Sonia Gandhi was unable to attend the meet as she is unwell.

While Rahul Gandhi's elevation has been a matter of debate for long, the Congress is still divided on certain issues. While there are some who want the elevation to take place during the CWC, there are others who want the decision delayed.

Many within the Congress feel that Sonia Gandhi should continue to lead the party until the forthcoming assembly elections are over. Some however feel that there would be clarity if Rahul is elevated immediately. Congress sources say that Sonia Gandhi must remain the party's chief until the elections in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Goa and Manipur are completed.

However this meet would be a test for Rahul Gandhi. It is to be seen how he takes decisions in the absence of his mother. Issues such as the forthcoming polls will be discussed at the meet. Further the meet would also finalise the Congress' strategy for the upcoming winter session of Parliament.

Congress sources say that this meet would be crucial. A lot rests on Rahul Gandhi and it is to be seen how he oversees the strategy of the party. He may not be elevated today, but his handling of the meet will sure be a pre-cursor of what to expect in future, the source also added.