Politics is not like an on-off switch: Rahul

Rahul Gandhi has decided to undertake regular tours throughout the country this year to boost the fortunes of Congress in different states. "I can't tell you the details of the plan right now. I will start my tour in February with some southern states," Gandhi told reporters today at an informal gathering.

Although his initial tours of Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat has not yielded the desired electoral results, Gandhi knows he cannot afford to sit back being the biggest hope for the party. "I don't think politics is like an on-off switch. When you win an election you are on, when you lose one you are off... politics does not work like that. I don't think the party has its back to the wall," said Gandhi who recently pulled up his party colleagues at an internal meeting for the late start of election campaigns.

Gandhi said he has noticed that the 'political class' maintains a distance from the youth. "They (the youth) don't feel part of the political system. They would prefer to have more access in politics and decision making." He also hinted that it was hard for young people to access his own party.

'Put some pressure on mom to take rest'

Protected by the Special Protection Group (SPG) and flanked by party veterans, Rahul Gandhi looked like a leader while interacting with reporters... but for the couple of minutes he spoke about his mother, Rahul Gandhi sounded like just any other son - exasperated at the conduct of a parent.

"My sister and I have been telling her repeatedly for the last five years to take a break. She refuses to take a holiday," Gandhi said.

Sonia Gandhi had to spend over a week in Ganga Ram Hospital due to chest infection. Despite being unwell, she carried on with party work calling emergency meetings over Gujarat.

"One thing my sister and I have learnt is that persistence doesn't work with her. If my mother makes up her mind about something, nobody can stop her from doing that," said Gandhi.

He also sought the help of the media in the matter, and said: "You (journalists) should also create some pressure."