New Delhi, Feb 23
The Congress Monday defended party vice president Rahul Gandhi\'s leave during the budget session, and said he was going to reflect and chart a course for the future of the party.

Party spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi said the reflection ahead of the forthcoming All India Congress Committee (AICC) meet was of \"crucial importance\".

\"The Congress vice president requested the party he needs some time to reflect on recent events and future course for the party. This introspection is important for the party and in view of the forthcoming AICC session,\" Singhvi told reporters.

\"The AICC session is of crucial importance and Rahul Gandhi will give inputs for it. So he has been given leave of absence after which he will come back to active participation,\" he said.

A senior Congress leader said the \"introspection break\" comes after lengthy interactions with party leaders and workers on the defeats faced by the party in recent elections.

\"This is the second phase. He will now reflect on it,\" the leader said.

Singhvi denied speculation of Rahul Gandhi being \"angry with party leaders, getting married or quitting politics\".

\"All attempts to create speculation are denied,\" he said.

Rahul to chart course for Congress\' future in isolation