It has now been confirmed amidst speculation about Shashi Tharoor’s candidature for the post of Congress President. According to sources quoted by ANI, Shashi Tharoor will contest as the next Congress president as Sonia Gandhi approved his candidature after reaching out to him at a meeting today, as he can strengthen internal democracy. Besides Shashi Tharoor, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot will reportedly file his nomination for the top Congress post on September 26.
Shashi Tharoor may announce his candidature In the next few days. At the meeting, Sonia Gandhi welcomed the idea of more people contesting the election and dispelled the notion that there would be an “official candidate”. Sonia Gandhi also said that she would remain “neutral” in the Congress presidential election.
While it is Shashi Tharoor vs Ashok Gehlot for now, more names are likely to be added in the next few days as the election for the post of Congress President draws closer.
Raag is explaining to Gehlot
However, sources close to Ashok Gehlot said that instead of thinking of running for Congress president, the Rajasthan chief minister is trying to “persuade Rahul Gandhi to do so”. “He is a loyal soldier of Sonia and Rahul Gandhi,” he said.
With regard to Shashi Tharoor’s meeting with Sonia Gandhi and speculations on it, Congress said that no one needs permission to contest the presidential election as it is an open, democratic and transparent process.
“Anyone who wants to contest elections [for the post of Congress President] is free and you are welcome to do so. This has been the consistent position of Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. It is an open, democratic and transparent process. Nobody needs anyone’s approval to contest elections,” Jairam Ramesh told ANI.
The process of filing nominations for the elections will continue from September 24 to September 30. The last date for withdrawal of nominations is October 8 and if required, the election will be held on October 17. The results will come on 19 October.
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