Pranab endorses idea of Rahul as PM

The idea of projecting Rahul Gandhi as the Prime Ministerial candidate during the next Lok Sabha elections gained further momentum with senior minister and Congress leader Pranab Mukherjee endorsing the idea.

"Leadership will go to young people. It is a universal truth," Mukherjee, who is Leader of Lok Sabha, told reporters when asked to comment on HRD Minister Arjun Singh's comment that there was nothing wrong in projecting Rahul for the top job.

Mukherjee, who was the senior most minister in Indira Gandhi's cabinet when she was assassinated, said: "Everywhere, new leadership is coming. If he (Arjun Singh) has suggested ... there is nothing wrong in it. There is no controversy..."

When asked whether such a move has been discussed by the Congress-led UPA, he said there was no occasion for a discussion. "When occasions arise, it will be discussed."