Congress needs services of both Sonia Gandhi and Rahul: Ashwani Kumar

Congress leader Ashwani Kumar said on Friday that the grand old party needs services of both Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi in the current scenario, which he termed as a 'difficult juncture'.

"Rahul Gandhi occupies the second highest position in the Congress and all his views are taken into consideration. I believe that at this difficult juncture, the Congress needs the services of both Sonia Gandhi and the youthful and creative energies of Rahul Gandhi," he said.

"All those who are talking of the retirement of Sonia Gandhi are not doing service to the party. I believe these kind of statements are utterly distasteful, because she has provided exemplary leadership to the Congress. Subject to her health, we would like her to continue to play an active role in the party," he added.

Recent speculation suggests that Rahul Gandhi, who has taken a leave of absence from party affairs, is allegedly unhappy and is pushing to take the top job.