india

Updated: Jul 14, 2014 18:37 IST

Senior Congress leader Beni Prasad Verma on Monday alleged that some leaders in the party, who have contact with other political parties, are trying to sideline the Gandhi family, especially vice-president Rahul Gandhi.

"Some from within the party are out to sideline the Gandhi family, especially Rahul Gandhi. Those criticising the leadership are from within the party having contact with other political parties," Verma said in Lucknow.

Refusing to take any name, Verma said, "Everyone knows their names and faces. They are the ones who sold tickets in 2012 Assembly elections, amassed huge wealth while the party was declining in the state and worked against the party in the Lok Sabha elections."

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The former Union minister said those who had been praising the Congress Vice President earlier are today questioning his leadership abilities after the party's bad show at the hustings.

"Rahul is the only leader of the country and Congress who can replace Narendra Modi," Verma said, adding that he (Rahul) has deep knowledge of politics, society and economy and is above caste and religion.

Exuding confidence about Congress' return to power, Verma said Rahul would soon take stern measures to revamp the party.

He said the Lok Sabha elections have pushed small and regional parties to the sidelines which proves that national political parties would be the central players.