New Delhi: The BJP yesterday (Dec 28, 2006) derided the Congress for regarding its MP Rahul Gandhi as the 'future leader' of the country, saying the party is required to first spell out his leadership potential.

BJP spokesman Ravi Shankar Prasad described as a ‘comical farce' both RJD chief Lalu Prasad's idea to project Gandhi as the UPA's candidate for the Chief Minister's post in Uttar Pradesh and its immediate rejection by the Congress.

"The Congress party must come clear on the leadership potential of Rahul Gandhi," he said.

The BJP leader, who cited Gandhi's speeches in the Lok Sabha since he became its member, alleged that the young MP has not yet been able to establish its credentials as a parliamentarian.

"The Congress must shed its hypocrisy," he remarked, alleging that the party had sought to project him as the country's future leader not because of his leadership skills but because of his family background.