As the stage is all set for a contest between party leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Shashi Tharoor in theCongresspresidential polls, differences have cropped up among party leaders in Kerala on who should be supported in the elections to the top post. (PTI)
Congress presidential poll candidate Khargeto address media on Sunday at 12.30 pm in Delhi.
Union Minister and Bhiwandi Lok Sabha MP Kapil Patil on Saturday mocked the presidential polls of theCongressand said no one was in control in that party. Speaking to reporters in Kalyan, he also said Rahul Gandhi was leading a 'Bharat Jodo Yatra' at a time when his party was "breaking into pieces". (PTI)
A total of 20 forms weresubmitted yesterday, Congress leader Madhusudan Mistry told the media."Of those, the scrutiny committee rejected 4 forms due to signature issues. There is time till October 8 for withdrawal, picture would be clearer after that. If no one withdraws, voting process will begin," he added.
Two days ago, on Wednesday, when Ashok Gehlot announced that he would not contest for the party president post, the mood in Congress was sombre — not because Gehlot was bowing out, but rebellion by his supporters had brought “damage”.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi led 'Bharat Jodo Yatra' on Saturday delayed due to rains in Karnataka.
The march on its second day in the state was affected by the torrential rains in Gundlupet.
According to the Congress party sources, the Yatra was supposed to start at 6.30 am on Thondavadi in Chamarajanagar district on Saturday.
It would be facetious to believe, although some in his party do think so, that Shashi Tharoor is contesting the Congress presidential elections merely for the publicity that might accrue to him. The uncharitable view is that October 19, the counting day, would be embarrassing for Tharoor, but the electoral contest would help the party showcase its internal democracy.
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Congress leader and former Union Minister Jairam Ramesh on Friday said that his party is the only one in the country which has a system for electing its President.
Talking to media persons on the sidelines of Bharat Jodo Yatra, he said that the Congress' greatest contribution to Indian politics has been consensus, and "when that is not made possible, we have an election".
"Only our party has the tradition of electing party President. The other parties do not have elections to this effect. Our party has a system. It does not matter whether Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge or former Union Minister Shashi Tharoor win the elections," he said. - IANS.