Rahul Gandhi reaches out to Hooda a day after G-23’s show of strength

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A day after the high-profile meeting of Congress’ G-23 at party veteran Ghulam Nabi Azad’s residence, former party chief Rahul Gandhi reached out to former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda on Thursday.

There has been no official word on what transpired at the meetings but the leaders are said to have discussed organisational restructuring plans.

A much anticipated meeting between Mr. Azad, who is actively leading the ginger group that is pushing for a “collective and inclusive leaders”, and Congress president Sonia Gandhi, however, has not yet taken place.

But Mr Hooda, a prominent member of G-23, had a 45-minute meeting with Mr. Gandhi at the latter’s residence. Congress general secretary (organisation) K.C. Venugopal was also present at the venue though it was not clear if he attended the meeting.

Soon after the meeting with Mr. Gandhi, Mr. Hooda directly drove to Mr Azad’s residence, where another G-23 member, Anand Sharma, joined in.

These leaders are believed to have discussed concrete proposals to strengthen the Congress and ensure “collective and inclusive leadership in decision making,” a key demand of the group.

There is speculation in some quarters that the Congress leadership may consider elevating Mr. Hooda’s son and Rajya Sabha member Deepender Hooda as Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee chief.