We will force Rahul Gandhi to become Congress chief, says Mallikarjun Kharge

"You tell me the alternative. Who is there? (in the party other than Rahul Gandhi)", Mr. Kharge asked

Rahul Gandhi would be pursued to return as Congress President as there is none in the party other than him who has a pan-India appeal, veteran leader M. Mallikarjun Kharge has said.

The Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha said anyone aspiring to lead the Congress party should be known throughout the country and enjoy support from Kanyakumari to Kashmir and West Bengal to Gujarat.

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"He should be well-recognised, accepted man to the entire Congress party", Mr. Kharge told PTI here on Friday. "So, no body is there (in the party with such a stature).

He recalled that all senior leaders had "forced" Sonia Gandhi to join and work for the party, and had requested Rahul Gandhi to "come and fight".

"You tell me the alternative. Who is there? (in the party other than Rahul Gandhi)", Mr. Kharge asked.

On reports that Rahul Gandhi is unwilling to take up the mantle, Mr. Kharge said he will be requested and asked to take charge "for the sake of the party, for the sake of the country, for fighting the RSS-BJP and to keep the country united".