In the Congress, those who think they are among its prominent leaders wrestle with each other to grab a prime position on a ceremonial dais. It always looks funny when leaders sit on pillows, while getting parked on a Bharatiya Baithak spread, apparently to appear 'a notch above' others.

Party president Rahul Gandhi tried to subdue a hierarchical dominance in the 84th plenary session of the Congress over the last weekend. He made all leaders, including his mother, ex-PM, ex-Cabinet ministers sit in the audience, albeit in the front row. He himself sat with them, becoming a harbinger of some hope for the lowly party workers, who the leaders have been keeping at a distance. It will be interesting to see if Rahul's act is replicated everywhere or just dismissed as a gimmick.