Gradually, Congress leaders across the country start pointing at Rahul Gandhi for the disastrous defeat in the general elections. Senior Congress leader Milind Deora has stated that Team Rahul Gandhi (he mean his advisers) have failed to understand the ground realities and failed to catch the peoples’ pulse. Rahul’s advisors have misguided him as they also have no electoral experience at all. As a result party had a miserable defeat. Hence a ‘ruthless introspection’ is needed to help the party bounce back. This should form the basis for leadership posts in Congress.”

He concludes saying that his comments are borne out of deep loyalty to the party and pain due to its performance in the polls. Another senior Congress leader Satyavrat Chaturvedi also agreed with his views.

Shashi Tharoor, who is in Rahul’s team disagrees with their arguments. He stated Sonia and Rahul Gandhi can’t be blamed for the defeat. Party should take collective responsibility for it. He said Congress badly needs Sonia and Rahul’s leadership. However, he also agreed that a ‘ruthless introspection’ is needed for fast recovery of the party.