Trending:

Will Rahul Gandhi return as Congress chief? Here's what is happening ahead of party's presidential polls

Rahul Gandhi had resigned as Congress president after the party suffered its second consecutive defeat in parliamentary elections in 2019. Sonia Gandhi who took over the reins of the party again as interim president had also offered to quit in August 2020 after an open revolt by a section of leaders, referred to as G-23, but the CWC had urged her to continue.

TN National Desk

Updated Aug 20, 2022, 19:52 IST

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi

Photo : ANI

New Delhi: As the Congress presidential election draws increasingly nearer, the party is yet to decide upon a possible successor to Sonia Gandhi. Reports indicate that former party chief Rahul Gandhi continued to declined the top post, leading to fresh confusion in the INC ranks. The Central Election Authority is presently awaiting the go-ahead of Congress Working Committee for the conduct of the party poll.

Despite calls for the Wayanad MP to re-take the reins of the party, there have been no indications that Gandhi has changed his stance on the issue. A PTI report quoting a senior Congress leader however indicates that most people in the party want him to resume the presidential mantle.

While Sonia Gandhi is presently at the helm as interim President, she has been ruled out as a viable candidate due to ill health. Some speculative reports indicate that with many in the party continuing to rally behind the Gandhi family, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has also come under consideration.

There is also a school of thought within the party that suggests retaining Sonia Gandhi as president (in case Rahul remains staunch in his refusal) with several senior leaders assisting with day-to-day functioning of the party. These individuals may be given an official role like that of 'working president'.

The Congress had announced that the election to the post of party president would be held between August 21 and September 20, but with just days to go for the process to kick in, uncertainty is writ large on the rank and file of the party as to who would assume the mantle of party president. The elected Congress president - whoever that may be - will be tasked with reviving the party's fortunes and leading it through the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Party leaders and workers are also grappling with the possibility of a person beyond the Gandhi family becoming chief. Speculation is rife with names such as Ashok Gehlot, Mallikarjun Kharge, Mukul Wasnik and Kumari Selja doing the rounds. The Rajasthan CM however has countered such reports, insisting that he does not want to assume the role.

Latest News