Top 10 Reasons Why Mallikarjun Kharge, A Gandhi Family Favorite, Will Be President

  • Sept. 30, 2022, 12:09 p.m.

New Delhi: Mallikarjun Kharge has entered the race for Congress president as the choice of the Gandhis. Veteran leader Digvijaya Singh has opted out, say sources, leaving Shashi Tharoor as the only other candidate.

Here are the top 10 points in this big story:

  1. Mr. Kharge is likely to resign as Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha in line with the Congress's "one person, one post" rule, said sources.

  2. Both Mr. Kharge and Mr. Tharoor are expected to file their nominations today before the 3 pm deadline.

  3. After meeting with Mr. Kharge this morning, Digvijaya Singh, who collected his nomination papers yesterday, is believed to have dropped out of the contest.

  4. After a late-night meeting, Congress veteran KC Venugopal conveyed to Mr. Kharge that the leadership wants him to contest, said sources, despite the Gandhis saying they would remain neutral.

  5. According to sources, Bhupinder Singh Hooda, a key member of the "G-23" dissenters who sent an explosive letter to Sonia Gandhi in 2020 demanding organisational changes, has endorsed Mr. Kharge for the top job.

  6. Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot bowed out of the race after apologising to Sonia Gandhi yesterday for the Rajasthan revolt by MLAs loyal to him.

  7. Mr. Gehlot was seen as the first choice of the Gandhis for the top post until his chances were damaged by the rebellion of his loyalists, who said they would not accept Sachin Pilot, who had rebelled against him in 2020, as his replacement as the Chief Minister.

  8. The Congress says Sonia Gandhi will decide soon whether Mr. Gehlot will remain Chief Minister of Rajasthan.

  9. The Congress yesterday warned the loyalists of Mr. Gehlot in Rajasthan, who are already accused of indiscipline. Mr. Venugopal said strong action will be taken for statements on the party's "internal matters and against other leaders."

  10. This is the first non-Gandhi presidential election in Congress in more than 20 years. The Gandhis have refused to contest, making way for other senior leaders to head the party.

Author : Rajdhani Delhi Representative

Rajdhani delhi representative

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