New Delhi, The assembly elections to the six states, which has been dubbed as semi- final to the next year's general elections are also litmus test for Congress General Secretary and Gandhi Scion Rahul Gandhi for him being the star campaigner for the Congress Party in these states and the victory would push him towards donning coveted office of the Prime Minister.

However, many believe that his leadership skills is also under tremendous scrutiny not only by the opposition parties but within his own party as entire party's future lies in his hands and these elections are just like a make or break for him.

Union Minister for Human Resources and Development Arjun Singh, who along with many senior Congress leaders on numerous occasions had echoed their sentiments publicly favouring Rahul as next Prime Minister. They went to the extent asserting that next Lok Sabha elections should be fought under his stewardship.

However, Rahul dismissed this rhetoric saying it is too early to predict anything. He also backed Manmohan Singh to the hilt saying he is the fittest person to lead the government for another term. His close aides view this as mark of seasoned politician who don't want to act in haste.

The political analysts are of the view that this time there has been perceptible change on his style of campaigning as compared to earlier elections to the state of Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh where he held road shows, which was not very successful in the end.

The Amethi MP, in this assembly elections have stamped his authority and cornered as many as seats for young candidates particularly in Delhi and Madhya Pradesh that signifies shift in the stand of congress party and a change of attitude towards generation next.

In case Congress-led United Progressive Alliance government returns to power at the centre, Rahul would join the government as one of the senior minister. That move would give him an opportunity to experience the functioning of the administration. "There are still five or more years for him to gain experience in the functioning of the parliament, party and government before being prepared to head the government," said a senior government functionary.

In fact, Congress high command is more interested in a situation where Congress alone could be able to form the government so as Rahul could have his say and implement his own policies and programmes. According to senior party leader heading a coalition government would be more difficult for a person like Rahul Gandhi as in the coalition politics many pull and push are bound to be there.

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