Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has finally confirmed his candidature for the post of Congress president after Rahul Gandhi made clear that no member of the Gandhi family will go for the post. Addressing mediapersons after his meeting with Rahul Gandhi, who is in Kerala leading the Bharat Jodo Yatra, Gehlot said, “I have requested him (Rahul Gandhi) multiple times to accept everyone's proposal to become the Congress President. He made it clear that no one from the Gandhi family should become the next chief.”
“It's decided that I'll contest (for the post of Congress President). I'll fix the date soon (to file his nomination). It's a need for the Opposition to be strong, looking at the current position of the country,” Gehlot added.
On the eve of meeting Gehlot, the Gandhi-scion had said, “We have made a commitment in Udaipur, I expect that will be maintained.” As per the Udaipur resolution in the Chintan Shivir of Congress in May, no leader is supposed to hold two posts simultaneously. It was also decided that none would be allowed to hold a single party post for more than five years. This has been one of the most significant bindings on Gehlot since he decided to stand for the election.
However, stressing at the unity of the party and removing all the clouds over his intent to fight, Gehlot clarified that if he wins the election, the decision regarding the vacant post of Rajasthan CM will be taken by Sonia Gandhi and the state-in-charge Ajay Maken. Notably, since Congress’ victory in Rajasthan there have been tensions between the Gehlot camp and his deputy Sachin Pitlot. Even after interventions of Rahul Gandhi the fight was not contained.
The presidentship of Congress has been historically an important position for the politics of the country for more than a century. Recalling the significance of this position Rahul Gandhi advised the contenders, “You are taking on a position which is historic and defines a particular view of India. It is not just an organisational post; it is an ideological post which represents a belief system.”
Notwithstanding Gandhi’s reminders, mudslinging within the Congress is on full show. Congress leader Gourav Vallabh on Thursday shot a salvo at Shashi Tharoor, another probable contender for the presidential election, saying that the only contribution Tharoor did as a Congress leader was to send letters to Sonia Gandhi while she was in hospital. Notably, the Kerala MP had met Sonia Gandhi days back expressing his desire to fight the election. Sonia reportedly appraised him about her intention to be neutral.
Nomination for the Congress elections will be filed from September 24-30. The elections will be conducted on October 17 and the results will be out on October 19.
