Jairam Ramesh bats for Rahul Gandhi

Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh feels that Rahul Gandhi is the ideal choice for the next Prime Minister and defends Rahul’s style of working.

“The Congress has a galaxy of leaders and Rahul is an important leader who discharge his duties,” Jairam said.

Praising Rahul he said, “He (Rahil) is not like Modi to keep chest thumping.”

Jairam Ramesh however ruled out battle between Rahul and Modi for 2014 general election.

“Do not reduce national elections to the contest of personalities,” he said.

Launching another attack on Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, Ramesh said, “I, I, I, me, me, me. I am your Alibaba. I am the guy who got your ‘Jaddu ki Chaddi’ (Magic wand).”

He compared Modi to controversial English cricket team captain Douglas jardine, the founder of bodyline tactics.

“Modi after Douglas Jardine is the practitioner of bodyline and you know what Bill Woodfull said when bodyline was taking place, he said there are two teams out there and one of them is not playing cricket. The abrasive and the abusive manner in which he carries on a campaign, we do not want to follow in the same category but he is a political reality,” Ramesh said.

Jairam also rubbishes rumours of early polls.

“There is no question of early polls, polls will be held as per schedule,” he said.

Meanwhile Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Saturday said he is ready to work under Rahul Gandhi.

“I have always maintained that Rahul Gandhi would be an ideal choice for the PM post after 2014 elections (Lok Sabha). I will be very happy to work in the Congress under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi,” the Prime Minister told reporters.

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