Rahul Gandhi's sabbatical over? Congress VP will be back on April 19, says Jairam Ramesh

New Delhi, April 13: The brouhaha over Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi's sabbatical does not seem to get over soon as some reports now suggest that he has further delayed his return to Delhi.

As per an NDTV report, "The Congress vice president, who was supposed to come back today from his "leave of absence," will now do so on Wednesday, sources told the channel.

Meanwhile, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said today said that the party vice president would return to address a farmers' rally on April 19, adding that his return would not only benefit the Congress but also the entire country.

"Not just the Congress, but the whole country will benefit due to his return," Ramesh said. However, Ramesh dodged the question about Rahul Gandhi's present location and said that the All India Congress Committee (AICC) would decide about his elevation to the post of Congress President.

"I do not want to comment on this issue. I have no idea what the AICC will decide during its meeting. All I can say is that Rahul will be there at the rally on April 19," he said.

Ending speculation surrounding Rahul's seven week absence, Ramesh said that the Congress Vice President would be in Delhi on April 19 to attend a massive rally against the Land Bill ordinance brought by the BJP-led central government.

Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi had gone on a sabbatical "for a few weeks" to reflect upon recent events and the future of the party that was completely wiped out in the Delhi Assembly elections capping a string of losses.

Rahul has been "granted leave of absence for a few weeks after which he will return and resume his active participation in the affairs of the Congress party", party sources said.

They said he has "requested Congress President Sonia Gandhi for some time to reflect on recent events and future course of the party".

An AICC session is expected in early April and reports are suggesting that Rahul could be made the party chief on that occasion.

Reports also suggested that Rahul Gandhi had taken a break because he was disappointed about not getting a free hand to manage the party's affairs.

OneIndia news

(With inputs from agencies)