I wanted new faces, says Sonia Gandhi

Javed Ansari spoke to Congress president Sonia Gandhi in an exclusive interview:

Is this the Congress’s election team?
The changes have been long overdue and I’ve made some minor changes. There were certain vacancies that had to be filled. I also wanted to bring in new faces.

Does this mean elections are round the corner?
As a political party we should be prepared for all kinds of challenges at any given time. We felt that there was a need to fine-tune certain things and that’s why certain changes have been made.

When will polls take place?
Only someone with a political horoscope can predict it.  

Is there a cabinet reshuffle in the offing?
That is the PM’s prerogative. You will have to ask him when he is going to effect a reshuffle. By the way, only a few ministers of state have been given party work.

Was it difficult persuading Rahul to work for the organisation?
He wanted some time. But it’s a party decision and like everybody else he respects that.