That Rahul Gandhi is the crown prince of the Congress has never been in doubt.

But now, there is a clear sign from the party that Rahul Gandhi has become the next prime ministerial candidate of Congress.

Party spokesperson P.C. Chacko said in media that Rahul will lead UPA’s campaign in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections and take up an ‘important responsibility’ in the party very soon.

However, the party is not going to project him as the Prime Minister till the numbers are clear.

If the Congress managed to get 200+ seats then he will be the first choice.

On the other hand, if the party bags 150 or less, there is going to be another leader, which will head the coalition and at this point of time, finance minister P. Chidambaram is the frontrunner.

Other names like Shivraj Patil and Sushil Kumar Shinde are also in the fray.

The best part about Rahul Gandhi is that he is untainted and in the meantime charismatic. Furthermore, he does not carry any anti-incumbency baggage as he is not the part of the cabinet.

Even better, Rahul can connect well with the youth.  Chacko said Rahul had agreed to rake over more responsibilities following overwhelming demand from all quarters within the party.

Chacko said: ‘Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will be at the helm till 2014. This has no relation. This government will continue till 2014.’

Focus has now been shifted to the party’s Chintan Shivir and AICC session in the beginning of next year. Among the issues likely to be taken up is that of alliances.

Rahul was one of the main reasons why party did not opted for any sort of alliance in UP and Bihar assembly polls.