New Delhi: Within the Congress, separate advisory teams are said to be assisting Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and his sister, Lok Sabha MP Priyanka Gandhi. These groups earlier included family members of people who had worked with former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.
According to the report, both leaders have now brought in younger members in place of the earlier set of aides. All those in the teams are said to be under 35, with several having studied at premier institutions such as the IIMs.
The change has reportedly added to unease among senior leaders, who feel sidelined. The report also cites discontent over a remark attributed to Rahul Gandhi about “youngsters entering politics” and “pushing aside the elderly,” made in the presence of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, who is over 80.
The report further links the new advisory circle to recent protest actions in Delhi against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. It claims the youth team suggested entering Akashvani Bhavan and sitting under a tree, citing a route from the building to the rear side of the Election Commission office.
Senior leaders are said to be worried that such confrontational methods could spiral into violence, and are questioning who will caution Rahul Gandhi against what they describe as reckless moves.
