Decoded-Why Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi wanted 'sabbatical'

Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi has once again unleashed harm to his party, albeit it is not a new phenomena for the grand old party. It is being said that Rahul Gandhi's surprise sabbatical has exposed fault lines in the electorally-battered Congress, which is bracing for a generational change.

Though party leaders are leaving no stone unturned to defend their Yuvraj, but that is not sufficient enough to pacify opposition who are raising questions over the timing of leave when Budget Session is on in the Parliament.

The question is why Rahul Gandhi wants to avail leave at this juncture when his party is going through rough patches. Putting up the real reason for this unexpected move, the BJP's ally Shiv Sena has said that Congress scion is not at all happy with some of the senior party leaders. Sena in its mouthpiece 'Samna' has alleged that Rahul Gandhi was miffed with party leaders and that is why he announced sabbatical.

Reportedly, downplaying the controversy Congress president Sonia Gandhi has defended Yuvraj and said that he needs "some time".

Why Rahul Gandhi is sulking?

Sources say that a number of measures like opening up Youth Congress to elections was not welcomed by sections of the party. Gandhi wanted to implement several new ideas in the party, which failed to see the light of the day.

The Congress vice president was keen that the practice of high command making key appointments in the party is done away with. He also favoured election to the top posts including in Congress Working Committee, where nomination has been the way so far.

Gandhi's idea to hold primaries in election going seats was given a go-by after his experiment failed in Lok Sabha with none of the Congress candidates winning in 16 Parliamentary seats, where he had brought in US-style primary mode to elect candidates.

Party sources close to Gandhi said there could be more clarity on issues, when he puts forth his "plan of action" at the AICC meet. Gandhi has always given indications that he feels that Congress like other parties is not doing enough to empower the workers at the grass root. The Congress Vice President vented his anguish on party forums as well as outside giving the impression of someone not satisfied with the system surrounding him.

OneIndia News