New Delhi, Jul 26: Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi should be appointed Leader of the Lok Sabha, according to ten MPs of the ruling party. A letter sent by them to Congress president Sonia Gandhi contains the above suggestion.

Bhakta Charan Das, who represents Kalahandi constituency in Odisha, wrote: “it is the need of the hour that Rahul should play a larger and proactive role in Parliament as the party is facing many challenges inside and outside Parliament.”

Nine other members of the Lok Sabha signed the letter as they believe Rahul is quite capable of speaking “dynamically” on issues affecting the common man and thereby “create a sense of confidence” among their counterparts. “This way, we feel that he would inspire fellow Parliamentarians to follow his example, willingly and cheerfully.”

The signatories averred: “There indeed are many leaders but our country with nearly 50 per cent youth population demands for a young and dynamic leader. And over these years, Rahul has emerged as the most accepted youth leader in this country…he can attract youth and common masses which will pave way for better results for our party.”

The post of Leader of the Lok Sabha has been lying vacant ever since Pranab Mukherjee resigned to contest the Presidential elections.

Earlier this week, Rahul indicated his keenness for a “more pro-active role in the party and the government.” He said that his “two bosses” will decide the exact time when he should assume a greater responsibility.

Since Rahul was referring to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Sonia Gandhi, observers presumed that he was hinting at a ministerial berth.

The PM could well induct new faces into the Union Cabinet sometime next month. Most likely the changes will be made before Aug 8 when Parliament is set to reconvene for its Monsoon Session.