Karnataka poll result a setback, says Rahul Gandhi

RAHUL SPEAKS: Rahul Gandhi says it’s high time to announce party Lok Sabha candidates.

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Amethi/New Delhi: Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi on Monday acknowledged that the party's poll debacle in Karnataka was a setback even as efforts are on to firm up a committee that would suggest ways to revitalise the party.

"Definitely, the defeat in Karnataka is a setback for the party," Gandhi told reporters at Fursatganj airport before winding up his day-long visit to Amethi.

He did not elaborate but his comments came as the party was in the process of deciding on a committee of leaders that will suggest ways and means to revitalise it.

The committee will present its report to party President Sonia Gandhi within 15 days of its formation.

The Congress Working Committee held a brain storming session on Saturday to review the party's electoral performance in Karnataka, where BJP formed the Government.

Congress spokesman Abhishek Manu Singhvi, meanwhile, refused to give credit to BJP for the electoral result, saying it had not emerged victorious but only the leading party.

"It's not a majority in Karnataka for BJP. They barely got through by getting 10 to 15 seats more than others," Singhvi said in Delhi.

Rahul Gandhi also said that it’s high time to announce Lok Sabha candidates of the party.

When he was asked that the party has earlier announced to declare names of the candidates for 2009 Lok Sabha seats by July 15, he said it was certainly the need of the hour after the recent poll debacle.

He also said he has responsibilities of the Youth Congress and commented that everyone knows it was not an old wine in new bottle.

Nothing, but party's hard work and united efforts would bring better results.

Replying to a question about Sachin Tendulkar's participation in the rural match, he said Sachin is an idol of every youth of the country and he requested him to be the part of it.

''I am thankful to the master blaster that he accepted my request and boosted the efforts of the youths here, '' he added.