Insider Rao is sent the first feeler for 2004

Digvijay Singh would meet Rao on March 1 to discuss the matter. It is learnt that Singh would find out from Rao if he would consider contesting from Behrampur in Orissa, a suggestion that has come from the state unit of the party.

While it has been clarified that Singh is not taking ‘‘a formal proposal’’ from the high command to Rao on his candidature, it is said that the ‘‘final word on the matter would come only after knowing Rao’s decision.’’ Officially, Singh is the AICC in-charge of Orissa, but he is also a protege of Rao and had become the chief minister of Madhya Pradesh during Rao’s tenure.

The move to break the ice with Rao is crucial for the party because if the High Command finally decides to bring back the veteran to fight the election, it will send out a message that Sonia Gandhi is not insecure at the top. On his part, Rao had maintained total silence on the issue of contesting elections or returning to active politics. When asked on the day he was acquitted in the Pathak case, he had quipped, ‘‘When did I leave active politics?’’