Rahul Gandhi returns from sabbatical

Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi returned home yesterday from his 56-day unexplained sabbatical which had raised questions over his leadership of the party that is struggling to find its feet after a string of electoral defeats.

The Congress vice-president's return from Bangkok comes ahead of the party's planned farmers' rally on the contentious land bill issue which he is likely to address, ending days of intense speculation over his return amidst celebrations by party workers who burst crackers outside his residence.

Rahul had left quietly before the Budget session began on February 23. The party had then said that he "requested Congress president Sonia Gandhi for some time to reflect on recent events and future course of the party".

Ever since the announcement of his temporary break from political life, there has been speculation that he was unhappy with not getting a free hand to run the party, a contention which the party has officially denied.

Rahul's leave had come amid talk of an AICC session, where he was expected to be elevated as Congress president.

During his absence, several party leaders including former chief ministers Amarinder Singh and Sheila Dikshit came out in the open pitching for Sonia Gandhi to continue as president and raised questions over his leadership.

Sources said that plans are underway to organise an interaction of Rahul Gandhi with a delegation of farmers today, two days before he will address the Kisan-Khet Mazdoor rally of the party.

Party leaders yesterday voiced confidence that Rahul will provide leadership with dynamism and commitment and take pro-active measures.

The BJP, meanwhile, took potshots at the Congress vice-president, saying he "ran away" as he had lost all confidence.

"From Nehru to Rahul, it is the withering away of the dynasty," BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra said.