Show of loyalty

Displaying their loyalty to the Nehru-Gandhi family again, senior Congress leaders have accepted Rahul Gandhi as the virtual No 2. Their deference to Rahul was evident on his first visit to the AICC headquarters after his appointment as General Secretary. Minutes before Rahul arrived, another General Secretary and Congress Working Committee member was seen clearing the pathway, stealthily picking up an empty cigarette packet at the porch and kicking away the dry leaves scattered there. Later, a stream of senior general secretaries and office-bearers jostled to accompany the Gandhi scion.