Amid speculation that Rahul Gandhi may take up a larger role in the party, Home Minister P Chidambaram on Monday said elders at some point of time must step back and give way to younger leaders.
Addressing the National Convention of Youth Congress, he recalled that 40 years ago when he had attended a similar convention in Kolkata, he had felt that the older leadership make way for younger leaders.
Chidambaram said that he still felt the same way. "I firmly believe older leaders at some time must step back and give way to young leaders," he said.
Noting that Congress has to fight several battles, including a formidable one in Uttar Pradesh, he said however tough the battle may appear to be, Congress party, Youth Congress and Rahul Gandhi will triumph.
"He (Rahul) will take the battle to every part of the country and eventually Congress will triumph," Chidambaram said.
The home minister maintained that Congress party has always stuck to the "middle ground" and that it did not support any extremist ideology whether it was Left or Right.
Chidambaram said people want Congress to occupy the middle ground, a space which no other party can claim to occupy.
All India Congress Committee General Secretary Birender Singh said that Congress has weakened whenever the "hand of Nehru-Gandhi family was not with it." The party, which had witnessed many splits, has remained united since Sonia Gandhi took over as it chief, he said.
Noting that communal and corrupt forces have joined hands to attack Congress, Singh said, "If any body can take a forward leap and challenge this power, it is the youth under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi."
Referring to Rahul, he said, "If any thing can ensure Congress success, specially in the adverse circumstances, it will be your leadership."
