Revival of Congress has truly begun today: Shashi Tharoor

Tharoor said the Nehru-Gandhi family has held, and will always hold, a special place in the hearts of Congress party members

As Mallikarjun Kharge registered an emphatic victory in the Congress presidential polls, his rival contestant Shashi Tharoor on Wednesday said he was "not a candidate of dissent but a candidate for change" and the "democratic contest" has galvanised vibrancy at all levels of the organisation.

In a statement and in remarks to the media, Tharoor emphasised that Kharge's victory was the party's victory and his only aim was to strengthen the party. Claiming that the Congress' revival has begun, the Gandhi family has held, and will always hold, a special place in the hearts of the party members.

He said the latest election was not a person-centric election and he is now confident that the party is ready to face the BJP.

"I didn’t pitch myself as a candidate for dissent, I pitched myself as a candidate for change. I was not pitching for a change in ideology of the party or the direction of the party. I wanted a change in the manner in which we do regular work. I did feel that there was a need for opening up access to ordinary party workers and creating more opportunities and discussion forums," he told a press conference.

Read | Congress presidential poll: Calling Shashi Tharoor loser would be a mistake

He said there was a sense of disconnect on part of the party workers and one needs to overcome it by giving them a greater sense of involvement.

"Kharge, once he assumes his role fully, will look at how to involve all party workers in the party governance to mount an effective challenge to the BJP in elections ahead," he said.

Asked whether he would continue to raise the issue of decentralisation in the party, he said he will stick to his points in whatever forums available to him.

"I have been consistent, of those who signed that particular letter (G-23) only one other person has stayed with me on upholding the various points I raised in the letter. And I would say that it would be silly to walk away from that. We were not an organisation of dissenters. There were a bunch of people who genuinely wanted a stronger Congress," he said.

Queried whether he expects a seat in the Congress Working Committee or any other post, he said he was not seeking a role for himself other than the post of Congress President, for which he fought. "I will continue in my role as Thiruvananthapuram MP," he said.

In his statement, he said about the Gandhi family, "It is my hope and belief that the family will remain the foundational pillar of the Congress, our moral conscience and ultimate guiding spirit. In particular, the spectacular success of the ongoing Bharat Jodo Yatra is a testament to the family’s enduring appeal to the masses."

"Our new president is a party colleague and senior who brings ample leadership and experience to the table. Under his guidance, I am confident that we can all collectively take the party to new heights," Tharoor said.

On Sonia Gandhi, he said the party owes an "irredeemable debt" to her, for her nearly 25 years of leadership of the party and for being "our anchor during our most crucial moments".

"Her decision to authorise this election process, which has given us new pathways to the future, is undoubtedly a fitting testament to her sagacity and vision for our party. I hope she continues to guide, motivate and inspire the party’s new leadership team in overcoming the challenges ahead," he said.

He also thanked former president Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra for "doing their own bit to support free and neutral elections".