Will become Prime Minister if allies want me, says Rahul Gandhi
New Delhi, Oct 5: Congress President Rahul Gandhi Friday said he will become prime minister if allies want him but the first step is for all parties to get together and defeat the ruling BJP.
It's a two-stage process and a decision on who will be prime minister comes second, Gandhi said.
"We have had discussions with allies and what we decided is that this is a two stage process stage -- one is to get together and defeat BJP and stage two is, once the election is over then we will decide what happens," the Congress president explained.
Probed further about the possibility of him becoming prime minister, Gandhi said, "If they (allies) want me, sure... I will."
The Congress chief, who was speaking at the HT Leadership Summit, answered questions on a range of issues, including his temple visits and the RSS.
Gandhi said he has been going to temples, gurdwaras and mosques for years, but the issue of his visits to temples has suddenly been publicised.
"I guess BJP doesn't like it. It infuriates them. BJP feels only they can go to temples, he said.
He said he has developed a thick skin. He can understand criticism and is not disturbed by it. "My response is to listen."
"Leadership is an evolution. It is something which is constantly changing and you learn. At least in my evolution, I am going much more into listening to people and trying to understand them," Gandhi said.
He added that while he does not see India in blocks, he believes every Indian is a stakeholder.
Taking on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the BJP and its ideological mentor RSS, Gandhi said a single, suffocating ideology is being imposed upon 1.2 billion Indians. "The ideological centre that is fighting the BJP can only be the Congress," he said.
"I am ready to take criticisms and questions. Why can't the prime minister do the same. India desperately needs healing and listening and all sections want it," he said.
Asked about the difference between his leadership style and that of his mother, Sonia Gandhi, the Congress president said,"I have learnt a lot from her, she has taught me to be patient. I used to be much more impatient. She tell me how to be patient, sometimes I tell her she is too patient."
"She goes by gut feeling and I go by thinking," Gandhi said.
He added that he now listens more, like his mother.
Replying to a question about whether there is anyone special in his life, Gandhi smiled and replied that he has a lot of special people in his life, like his mother and sister.
He also attacked the government on various fronts, including demonetisation, foreign policy and governance.
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KSCA expresses disappointment over missing IPL playoffs, says it was ready to host matches in B’luru
Bengaluru: The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has issued a clarification stating that it was fully prepared to host the IPL playoffs and final matches in Bengaluru but the fixtures were allotted to other venues.
In a media note, KSCA said it was disappointed with the decision. The association stated that its president, former India cricketer Venkatesh Prasad, had been in touch with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and had formally conveyed the association’s readiness and interest in hosting the matches at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
KSCA said the IPL matches held in Bengaluru this season were appreciated for smooth conduct, crowd management and overall experience for spectators. It said this reflected its ability to handle high-profile matches.
The association also stated that it had sent a detailed communication to the BCCI explaining its preparedness and the operational arrangements followed during the current IPL season. According to KSCA, these systems have been in place since the start of the Indian Premier League in 2008 and were followed consistently, including during previous playoff matches hosted in Bengaluru.
The clarification added that the communication sent to the BCCI was only meant to provide factual and operational details and to bring clarity on logistical and stakeholder-related requirements involved in hosting such matches.
KSCA said that although it had shown willingness and preparedness, the BCCI has decided to allocate the playoff matches to other venues. It added that the reasons for this decision have not been formally shared with the association, but it respects the authority of the board in taking such decisions.
The association further said it remains ready to host matches of national and international importance and will continue to cooperate with the BCCI, franchises, government authorities and other stakeholders for conducting cricket events.
The statement was issued by KSCA official spokesperson Vinay Mruthyunjaya, who also thanked the media and cricket fans for their continued support.
