Rahul's elevation as Congress president likely soon

The process of the much-delayed organizational elections in Congress could get a fillip after the return of party Vice President Rahul Gandhi from Europe next week amid indications that his much talked elevation could happen soon. On December 27, Rahul took to Twitter to announce that he will be travelling to Europe for a "few days", the first time that he has gone public about a trip abroad. Sources in the party say that the Congress Vice President could be back any time after January 8 following which a meeting of Congress Working Committee may also happen. "He (Rahul) is ready to take on the mantle. It is wrong to say that he does not want to become President. There is also no truth in suggestions that Gandhi may wait till the completion of assembly polls in Assam before he is elevated as Congress President," a party functionary said on the condition of anonymity. The leader felt that the elevation of Gandhi should be happening "sooner than later" but refused to attach a time line. - PTI