Rahul set to take over as Congress president
new delhi — The Congress Working Committee on Monday approved the road map for what looks like an unopposed elevation of its vice-president, Rahul Gandhi, as party president, barring an unexpected contest, enabling the passing of the mantle from his mother, who was at the helm for 19 years.
It would be clear on December 11 whether there would be a contest for the top party post. The last date for filing nominations has been set as December 4, and scrutiny will be done on December 5, Mullapally Ramachandran, chairman of the Central Election Authority said after a CWC meeting that cleared the schedule.
The last date for withdrawing nominations is December 11 and the date of poll, “if necessary”, would be December 16. Counting of votes will be done on December 19.
In finalising the poll schedule, the top policy making body of the Congress has kept the option open for Rahul Gandhi’s elevation — either before or after the outcome of the Assembly polls in Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh that will be out on Decembe 18.
Asked about whether Sonia has appealed to party leaders to actively participate in the poll process because on earlier occasions whoever had chosen to contest had his career finished, chief spokesman Randeep Surjewala said the Congress has had a history of contests.
“Congress is the only party which protects democracy in the country and within the party. This has been going on since Mahatma Gandhi’s time. Even Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose had fought against a candidate fielded by Gandhiji. But their affection for each other had never come down.” —