Rahul Will Be Congress' No. 2

Welcoming Rahul Gandhi's statement, party leader Digvijay Singh told reporters: "I have been saying this for the past two years...Rahul should play a larger role all over the country."

He had said earlier that it was time for the young leader to go beyond his present responsibilities in Youth Congress and National Students Union of India.

Rahul Gandhi's remarks about a decision having been taken for him to play a more proactive role is likely to intensify speculation about the exact nature of his assignments and tasks.

There is also talk that he could be made member of the core committee where important decisions are taken concerning the government and the party. Pranab Mukherjee is no longer a member of the core committee and Rahul Gandhi could be his replacement.

Though Rahul Gandhi has not accepted invitations from the prime minister to join his ministry, some senior leaders have suggested that this should happen.

External Affairs Minister S. M. Krishna went on record last month and stated that Rahul Gandhi should join the government to help solve problems faced by the country.

There is also the buzz that he made working president but a senior leader virtually ruled out the possibility, saying that Sonia Gandhi was its full-time president. However, speculation continues about his being appointed vice president.

Rahul Gandhi's announcement has coincided with the party leadership mulling major appointments.

The party also has to appoint a leader of Lok Sabha and a finance minister in place of Mukherjee, choose its candidate for the post of Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman and fill vacancies in the cabinet.

It is also looking at organisational changes in states and a revamp of the All India Congress Committee.

Party leaders hope that Rahul Gandhi's more active role would energise workers and give a boost to the government's image, battered by allegations of indecision, corruption and financial imprudence.

Congress leaders have defended Rahul Gandhi over party's performance in assembly polls in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, saying it was for the state leaders to translate the support he draws into votes.