WHO SAID WHAT

“You know me so well, [Ghulam Nabi] Azad sahib. How could you think that I will take any decision on the leadership issue without consulting party leaders? I retired long ago. I don't want to hang on to this chair. So, what's the motive of this letter?”

— Sonia Gandhi

He questioned the timing of the letter written by dissenters. He said the letter was written at a time when the Congress president was ill and attacked her when she was at her weakest and when the party was vulnerable, fighting the BJP in MP and Rajasthan.

— Rahul Gandhi

Urged Sonia Gandhi to continue on the post till a new president is elected.

Manmohan Singh

“How can my colleagues write such a letter? This is cruel and unfortunate.”

—AK Antony

“Do you want Sonia Gandhi to sit at home? Are you doing any favour to the Gandhis by saying they too will be part of the collective leadership?”

— Ahmed Patel

“I owe a lot to Sonia Gandhi.

How can anyone say that we did it when she was in hospital? I wish her a long life. Nobody can question my loyalty to the Congress party.”

— Mukul Wasnik

“I am ready to accept the decision of the CWC in letter and spirit and whatever action it takes. We had flagged certain organisational issues and in no way it was against the Gandhis.”

— Jitin Prasada

Demanded action against dissenting leaders.

— Ambika Soni

Made it clear that the letter was not directed against Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi as “misconstrued” and alleged by some people. Azad said the letter was written to urge the Congress president to discuss and consult with them before appointing somebody to the post of president.

— Ghulam Nabi Azad