New Delhi, Sep 14 (IANS) The Congress Wednesday refused to react to a US Congressional report suggesting that the next general election could see Rahul Gandhi pitted against Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi in the prime ministerial race.


Congress spokesman Manish Tewari said he was not aware of any report published by a US think tank.

“I have not perused any such report. Even if such report was ostensibly to exist, I don't think it is necessary to dignify it with a response,” Tewari said.

He said the country had several think tanks of international repute which come out with reports. “I do not think it is essential for a political party to comment on every report supposed to have been published,” he said.

The Congressional Research Service (CRS), a bipartisan and independent research wing of the US Congress, has also praised Modi's governance.

Reacting to Modi tweeting that it was a recognition of Gujaratis, Tewari said if Modi was “taking pleasure in tomtomming the report, it was the same US which still does not give him visa to step on their land.”

The CRS said Modi was among Bharatiya Janata Party's likely candidate for prime ministership.

"...among the party's likely candidates for the prime ministership in future elections is Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, who has overseen impressive development successes in his state...," the report stated.

The report was also of the opinion that Rahul Gandhi is the Congress heir apparent.