NEW DELHI: Sonia Gandhi has given permission to Shashi Tharoor to contest for the post of Congress President. Shashi Tharoor had already expressed his interest in contesting for the post of President.
At the same time, Tharoor had informed that if Rahul Gandhi contested, he would withdraw from the contest. Rahul Gandhi is adamant that he will not contest. Close sources revealed this after Sonia and Tharoor met today. Tharoor was looking for the possibility of public acceptance outside the group rather than limiting himself to being a candidate from the G23 group. As part of this, he visited senior party leaders.
Party sources said the Gandhi family was interested in Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot becoming the presidential candidate. But the Gandhi family does not agree with the requirement that the person recommended by Gehlot should be made the Chief Minister of Rajasthan.
The notice of the election comes on the 22nd of this month. Nomination papers will be submitted from 24th to 30th. The last date for withdrawal is 8 October. If there is more than one candidate, the election will be held on October 17.
English Summary: Shashi Tharoor gets Sonia Gandhi’s nod to stand as Congress President
