Tejashwi Prasad for Rahul Gandhi as PM

PATNA: The state Congress rank and file as well as their ally RJD expressed happiness over Rahul Gandhi officially taking over as party president from Sonia Gandhi on Saturday.

Many Congress functionaries reached the party's state headquarters at Sadaquat Ashram and distributed sweets.

RJD chief Lalu Prasad's son and leader of opposition in Bihar assembly, Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, congratulated the Congress family on behalf of his party. "Rahul ji has redefined the country's politics and has included youths at the grassroots level. He has proved his mettle in inclusive, liberal and secular politics and not the one of constricted, narrow minded and intolerant politics that the nation is going through right now," Tejashwi tweeted.

He also attacked the central government saying the nation, especially the youth, was feeling cheated and duped and Rahul was the only hope to end the present pessimistic politics. "The whole nation wants to see him as the next Prime Minister," he added.

Tejashwi's elder brother and former state health minister Tej Pratap Yadav also congratulated Rahul on his elevation.

After formally meeting Rahul, state Congress acting president Kaukab Quadri said the party under Rahul's leadership would reach its zenith and achieve more success.

Even former state Congress president Ashok Choudhary had all praise for his new chief. "We were waiting for this moment," said Choudhary.

NCP spokesperson Anil Kishore Jha also congratulated Rahul on his elevation as Congress chief.