Unfazed by criticism about his elevation, Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi filed his nomination papers for the party’s chief post. The 47-year-old Gandhi scion is likely to emerge as the lone candidate in the fray and decks have been cleared for his election as the Congress president, succeeding his mother Sonia Gandhi, who has held the post for 19 years in a row now. Today was the last date for filing nominations.
According to PTI report, Congress president Sonia Gandhi and former prime minister Manmohan Singh are among the proposers for the candidature of Rahul Gandhi for the party chief’s post.
The last date for withdrawal of candidature is December 11, and the poll, if necessary, will be held on December 16 and the counting will take place on December 19.
Speaking to media, Manmohan Singh said, “Rahul Gandhi has been the darling of the Congress party and this will add yet another chapter in his quest of serving the people for the Congress party. Rahul Gandhi will carry forward the great traditions of the party.”
“It is a historic day for Congress. It’s a big day today that Rahul Gandhi is taking this responsibility at a time when there is big challenge before the party. The Congress party will always stand by him to support him in his success,” Sharma told media.
Several Congress leaders took to Twitter and wished Rahul success in the years ahead.
.@OfficeOfRG seeks blessings from elders before filing his nomination. यही है भारतीय संस्कार #IndiawithRahulGandhi pic.twitter.com/58RRPa0VCO
— Sharmistha Mukherjee (@Sharmistha_GK) December 4, 2017
Congratulations &best wishes to Rahul Gandhi on behalf of @ProfCong. Let’s all work for a better India! pic.twitter.com/enGus0FEvk
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) December 4, 2017
मुझे पूरा भरोसा है कि श्री राहुल गांधी के कुशल नेतृत्व में हम प्रगति की ओर बढ़ेंगे। उम्मीद है कि हम मिलकर एकता, ऊर्जा और नए अवसरों से भरे मजबूत भारत का निर्माण ज़रूर करेंगे। @OfficeOfRG #IndiawithRahulGandhi
— Jyotiraditya Scindia (@JM_Scindia) December 4, 2017
Compassion, humility & determination are just a few qualities that make Rahul Gandhi an ideal #CongressPresident and leader.
Today, we recall what he stands for on issues close to his heart. #IndiaWithRahulGandhi pic.twitter.com/QTlBJ05DUT— Congress (@INCIndia) December 4, 2017