According to the External Affairs Minister, Pranab Mukherjee, Rahul Gandhi could be the new Prime Minister of India after the 2009 Lok Sabha polls.
"The days are not far off when Rahul Gandhi may follow his father's footsteps," Mukherjee said at a conference of overseas Indians.

Mukherjee’s comments followed the AICC’s statement that it was solely Rahul’s decision if he would like to lead the country.

However, last year, Arjun Singh was criticized for voicing support for Rahul to take over the reins from Manmohan Singh. But this year, Congress General Secretary, Digvijay Singh has supported Mukherjee’s contention.

At the same time party spokesman has also praised Rahul and said that he had all the qualities of a national leader. He, however, said that it was entirely Rahul’s decision as to whether he accepts the post and when he accepts it.  

Though, the Congress had posed faith in Manmohan Singh in the past elections but during the next elections his continuation will depend both on the victory of the Congress and the decision if Rahul is to take charge.