Sheila Dikshit says Rahul Gandhi yet 'not mature', but believes may take over as Congress president soon

Congress party's poor show in the recently concluded municipal elections in Maharashtra has set off a fresh round of introspection within the party. Former Delhi chief minister and a leader close to the Gandhi family, Sheila Dikshit, remarks on Congress vice-president has raised eyebrows.

In an interview to The Times of India she has kicked up a controversy by saying that Rahul needs a few years more to mature in politics. "Rahul is still not mature, his age does not allow him to be mature. He is what... in his forties. Please give him time," she said in her Interview.

With every Congress defeat Rahul's leadership comes under scanner even as there are fresh demands to get Priyanka play a more active role within the party.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also mocked Rahul several times during the on-going campaign for Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. At a rally in Bijnore recently, Modi while launching a broadside against Rahul, lampooned him no end. "There is this Congress leader known for his childish acts. If you google, you will see the number of jokes on him. No other leader is the target of as many jokes as this Congress leader," the Prime Minister said.

Though Sheila Dikshit still believes Rahul has the potential to take the party to new heights, adding that Rahul's time to take over as party president is round the corner and this may happen sooner than later. 

"I believe it should happen this year. The party needs changes in leadership on posts that have been occupied for decades," Sheila said.

Talking about Priyanka Gandhi, Sheila said, "I must say she is very sensitive and intelligent. She is a fantastic listener. She has played a very important role in the shaping of the Congress-SP alliance in UP."