New Delhi, India (BBN) - Rahul Gandhi, who provoked scathing criticism for skipping a farewell dinner for Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, is back in Delhi and is expected to speak to the media later today (Friday) along with his mother, Congress President Sonia Gandhi, after results of the election are announced.
The Congress is expected to be saddled with its worst performance ever. Mr Gandhi fronted the party campaign, but senior leaders have said that the verdict will reflect the people's dissatisfaction with the government in which the 43-year-old does not hold a post, according to the NDTV report.
Congress leader Digvijaya Singh said that should not be interpreted as heavy-handed attempts to insulate Mr Gandhi from blame if the party suffers a humiliating defeat.
"We can take victory and defeat in the same spirit," he said.
"Wait for tomorrow" was his repeated refrain when asked whether Mr Gandhi will accept responsibility for the outcome.
"He has never taken shelter against any adversity. Therefore I absolutely rule out that he will be hiding behind the screen," he said.
Asked whether a poor performance could lead the party to question Mr Gandhi's leadership, he replied, "Let the results come out. The party will do introspection. The party shall take a call."
Mr Gandhi was conspicuous by his absence at the farewell dinner hosted by his mother for the Prime Minister on Wednesday, giving ammunition to opposition parties who attacked him for "insulting" Dr Singh.
Congress leader Ajay Maken denounced those allegations, saying, "After three months of gruelling campaigning, Rahulji is out of town for two days...he had already met the honourable prime minister on May 10 to personally thank him for his services and contribution rendered to the nation."
BBN/SSR/AD-16May14-11:49 am (BST)