Even as the Congress party equivocates over making Rahul Gandhi its prime ministerial candidate, Sachin Pilot, a young MP considered a part of his youth brigade, says it will "happen sooner or later".

Rahul has the "capability, vision and determination to work for the country and give leadership as PM", Pilot said in an interview. Last week, Rahul Gandhi had, in response to a question put to him in Punjab, said Manmohan Singh would remain the party's prime ministerial candidate even after the next general election.

Given the sensitivities involved about projecting Rahul at this stage when Manmohan Singh is still PM, the party has to tread cautiously. The Gandhi-Nehru family has been particularly mindful of not doing anything that might embarrass Manmohan Singh.

Pilot, when asked whether Rahul would be PM "sooner" or "later", qualified his reply: "That will depend on the party. Ultimately, it is the Congress president (Sonia Gandhi) and the MPs who will decide."

However, Rahul, he said, would be the "star campaigner" not just in the LS elections but also in the assembly polls in Rajasthan, Delhi, MP, and Chhattisgarh due in November. "There is demand for him and on his side there is a commitment. It is now full throttle," he said.